A former Israeli Prime Minister has launched a scathing critique of current leadership, alleging a systematic undermining of democratic institutions and escalating dangers for Israel’s long-term security. In an interview with the German Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Ehud Olmert directly accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of actively eroding the rule of law within Israel.
Olmert asserted that Netanyahu demonstrated a willingness to disregard legal boundaries, prepared to dismantle institutions responsible for upholding justice and actively pursuing such actions with the backing of his political allies. “He is attempting to hollow out the legal system in Israel” Olmert stated, adding a stark warning: “He is willing to commit serious legal violations himself.
The former premier’s assessment extends beyond concerns about legal processes, questioning the very identity of Israel as a democratic nation. “We were always proud to say that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. But is it that today? I am not sure and I believe many Israelis feel the same way”. This reflection underscores a growing unease amongst some Israelis regarding the direction of the country.
Beyond domestic concerns, Olmert highlighted the intensifying violence perpetrated by radical Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank as a particularly grave threat. He warned that unless the government decisively addresses this escalating crisis, it risks triggering a substantial surge in terrorist activity within the West Bank, posing a significant and widespread danger to Israel’s overall security.
Furthermore, Olmert cautioned about potential legal ramifications on a global scale. He voiced serious concerns that Israel’s inaction regarding settler actions could lead to the country being referred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Specifically, he warned of potential charges related to supporting crimes of the most serious nature allegedly committed by settlers, facilitated by the tacit approval and inaction of Israeli police and military forces. He emphasized the urgent necessity to halt this trajectory, warning it demands immediate intervention to avert potentially devastating consequences for Israel’s international standing.