Former Israeli PM Olmert criticises Netanyahu’s govt over West Bank annexation moves скачать в хорошем качестве

Former Israeli PM Olmert criticises Netanyahu’s govt over West Bank annexation moves

Israel has approved sweeping measures expanding its control over the occupied West Bank, drawing international condemnation and accusations of de facto annexation. The moves come amid heightened violence, mass detentions and growing pressure over the war in Gaza. Speaking to Al Jazeera from Dubai, Ehud Olmert, Israel’s prime minister from 2006 to 2009, said he strongly opposes the cabinet’s decisions. Olmert said he is “very much against” what he described as an attempt by senior ministers and “messianic” elements in the government to force Palestinians from the West Bank and pave the way for annexation. He argued that most Israelis oppose the policy and vowed to fight it politically. Referring to settler violence, he said attacks on Palestinians, including the burning of olive groves and assaults on civilians, amount to actions that “appear to look like an ethnic cleansing”. He accused the government of failing to restrain violent settlers and said ministers must bear responsibility. Olmert suggested the timing of the measures was linked more to domestic coalition politics than to regional diplomacy, arguing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was appeasing hard-line partners unhappy with the Gaza ceasefire. He warned the current government is damaging Israel and undermining any prospect of peace. Olmert reiterated that a two-state solution is the only viable path, proposing Israeli withdrawal from the vast majority of the West Bank within the framework of a negotiated agreement. He added that a lasting Gaza ceasefire and renewed negotiations are essential first steps towards resolving the conflict. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X:   / ajenglish   Find us on Facebook:   / aljazeera   Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page:   / aljazeeraenglish   Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #Israel #Netanyahu #EhudOlmert #OccupiedWestBank #Palestine #Israel #IsraelPalestineWar #IsraeliOccupation #IsraelIllegalSettlements #SystematicDispossession #TwoStateSolution #WestBankAnnexation #AlJazeeraEnglish