Obama Criticizes Israeli Government, Cites Land Seizure

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has criticized the Israeli government's conduct in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that Jews who were persecuted for millennia "took land from people," referring to Palestinians. Speaking at the O2 arena in Belfast in conversation with author and journalist Susan McKay, Obama argued that Israel cannot indefinitely base its security on military and technological superiority. He also sharply criticized the Hamas attack on October 7, suggesting Palestinians should adopt a strategy not based on defeating Israel militarily.

Obama called for a "real pause" in violence following the October 7 attack, stating that long-term solutions can only be discussed afterward. He acknowledged the historical persecution of the Jewish people, particularly in Europe, and their understandable search for a homeland. However, he added, "What also cannot be denied is that they took land from people and were excessive. And those people said, understandably, 'This is an injustice and I want my land back.'"

He directed criticism at Israel, asserting that the stronger party bears a special responsibility in breaking cycles of violence. Obama suggested that Israel's current approach, relying on its strength and technological advancement to take what it wants without concessions, might work in the short term but leads to a loss of moral ground. He specifically stated that the "current Israeli government appears to have adopted this approach," urging it to recognize that Palestinians will not disappear and that imposing an unacceptable situation on them is unsustainable.

Despite his criticism of Israel, Obama also addressed the Palestinian side, stating they must acknowledge Israel's strength and its permanence. He advised them to develop a course of action not reliant on military victory over Israel.