Former Israeli Prime Minister Criticizes Netanyahu: ‘He Does Not Represent Us’

Olmert stated that he is ready to make every effort to oppose Netanyahu, adding that he has no objection to the UN General Assembly resolution on the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, he questioned how a country that does not yet exist can be recognized.

In an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, Olmert said all Hamas members should be held accountable, but the attack targeting them in Doha was poorly timed and located.

He added that killing negotiators sends the message that Israel does not genuinely seek negotiations or the release of Israeli prisoners from Gaza.

The former Israeli Prime Minister expressed his regret over the death of Khalil Hayya’s son and the harm caused to his wife in the attack.

Olmert emphasized that he and others will take all efforts to remove Netanyahu from office, asserting: “He does not represent us, nor does he represent Israel.”

He further stated that while Hamas must be punished, he opposes the killing of large numbers of Palestinians who had no connection to the October 7 attack. He criticized the Israeli cabinet and military for issuing orders that led to the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians, describing such actions as a policy failure.

Olmert expressed support for a partial agreement for the release of prisoners and stressed that Israeli officials must be tried within Israel for committing crimes. He also reiterated his opposition to the behavior of hardline ministers in the Israeli cabinet and called for their punishment.

The former Prime Minister concluded by saying he has no objection to the UN General Assembly resolution establishing a Palestinian state but questioned how a state that does not exist can be formally recognized.