‘What is it if not a war crime?’ Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert blasts war in Gaza

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has condemned Israel’s political and military leadership, saying he can no longer defend the country against war crimes accusations.

In an interview with CNN, Olmert cited Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the high civilian death toll. “What is it if not a war crime?” he asked, referring to the 11-week blockade and what he called "indiscriminate, limitless" attacks.

Olmert, who led the country from 2006 to 2009, previously defended Israel’s actions abroad. He insisted the military avoided targeting civilians. Now, 19 months into the conflict, he says that stance is no longer tenable.

“I can’t justify this war anymore,” he said, following the release of his Haaretz op-ed. In the article, he described Israel’s campaign in Gaza as “a war of devastation… cruel and criminal killing of civilians.”

CNN reached out to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office for comment but received no immediate response.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. This includes over 28,000 women and children. The Israel Defense Forces said in January they had killed more than 20,000 Hamas fighters.

Olmert emphasized the need to avoid civilian casualties, saying the expanded military campaign serves no vital interest. “No uninvolved people in Gaza should be hurt,” he told CNN. “This expansion doesn’t serve the state of Israel.”

He also criticized Netanyahu and far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. “I hope this government will disappear as soon as possible,” he said. “The majority of Israelis are tired of these policies and the damage done to the moral fabric of our nation.”

Polls indicate most Israelis support a ceasefire deal that would release the remaining 58 hostages in Gaza and end the war. However, Netanyahu insists the campaign will continue until Hamas is defeated.

Olmert now joins many hostage families in placing hope in U.S. leadership. He believes President Donald Trump may be the only person capable of persuading Netanyahu to stop the war.

“He’s the only one who can force the Israeli prime minister to face moral reality,” Olmert said.

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