Former PM Olmert Criticizes Israeli Policy in West Bank, Warns IDF Chief

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has strongly condemned the actions of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, describing them as "murderous terrorist criminals" engaged in ethnic cleansing and expulsion of Palestinians. Speaking on 103FM radio, Olmert stated that these actions are systematic, often occurring daily, and aim to facilitate Israel's annexation of the territories. He alleged that these activities receive backing from thousands within the system and active support from government ministers, specifically naming Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich as symbols of this "brutal policy."

Olmert further criticized the security forces for what he termed discriminatory practices, citing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's initial declaration not to issue administrative arrest warrants against Jews. He claimed that in cases of Jewish violence against Palestinians, authorities often arrest only the Palestinian victims. Olmert emphasized that the IDF Chief of Staff is the sovereign in the occupied territories under international law and possesses the authority to prevent such actions.

He warned that the IDF Chief of Staff could eventually become a target of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, not justly, but due to his formal position as the sovereign in the territory. While not directly blaming the current Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, Olmert urged him to use all available means to prevent these "unbearable and unforgivable" acts.

Additionally, Olmert addressed reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warned by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks. Olmert asserted that such a conversation would undoubtedly be recorded and stated that if Netanyahu received such intelligence and failed to immediately relay it to the military and security establishment, it would constitute a "treasonous criminal act."