Olmert, a former Israeli prime minister, accuses Netanyahu of allowing Hamas to gain strength in the Gaza Strip

Ehud Olmert, a former Israeli prime minister, has charged Benjamin Netanyahu of being responsible for the expansion of Hamas’ capabilities in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with NDTV, Olmert, who governed Israel from 2006 to 2009, said that Netanyahu was “personally and directly responsible for the deal with Hamas,” which resulted in the release of “1,000 murderers of Hamas in exchange for one Israeli soldier.” Additionally, he said that “80% of the people want him out.”

Additionally, he criticized Netanyahu for supposedly marginalizing moderate Palestinians, with whom he believed conversations ought to have taken place. Because Hamas was seen as a non-negotiable party, Olmert said that this stance unintentionally helped the organization grow by enabling Netanyahu to avoid making concessions to them.

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Olmert also questioned if a diplomatic agreement with Hamas could be achieved, noting US Vice President Joe Biden’s comments on Israel’s right to react.

“I don’t think a diplomatic compromise is aimed at with Hamas,” he said to NDTV.

It’s crucial to reduce collateral damage, the former Israeli prime minister said, adding, “This is not a race to see who can kill the most people. We have no interest in murdering innocent people.

But he also emphasized the position Israel has adopted in the wake of the Hamas assault.

“We want peace, but Hamas’ presence will prevent it. Although we are aware that innocent people have perished, Hamas will not let them go.

“We need to work together to attempt to depose Hamas from its power. This is a crucial step toward achieving peace, but he said that as long as Hamas exists, there will never be peace.

Olmert started his political career as a member of the dominant Likud party but switched to the moderate Kadima party in 2006 under the leadership of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Following Sharon’s hospitalization, Ehud Olmert, his deputy at the time, assumed leadership when it was determined that he was unfit for office.