Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has voiced scepticism over the success of the Gaza war, stating that the objective to “destroy the Hamas movement will not be achieved.” In an article for Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, Olmert accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of waging a personal war, dismissing his pledges as boastful.
Olmert asserted that while Gaza is experiencing significant casualties and Hamas is being weakened, the complete elimination of the group is unlikely. He urged a reevaluation of the current approach, suggesting that Israel faces a choice between a ceasefire tied to a potential deal for hostages’ release or a ceasefire without apparent achievements, risking the loss of international support.
Highlighting the capture of approximately 239 individuals by Hamas during an attack on southern Israel in October, Olmert pointed out the exchange of dozens during a seven-day humanitarian truce. He emphasised the potential imposition of a ceasefire by key allies such as the United States, England, France, and Germany, citing their unwillingness to bear the humanitarian costs of prolonged fighting.
Olmert concluded that Israel must consider a shift in strategy, acknowledging the necessity of a ceasefire and the importance of international support in the face of escalating tensions in the region.