Election Analysis: Olmert Criticizes Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Vote

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert stated on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is positioned on the wrong side of history as the country prepares to hold its 2026 elections. Speaking in an interview with Al-Arabiya English, Olmert characterized the upcoming vote as potentially the most consequential in the modern history of the State of Israel. He argued that the election is a fight to protect Israeli democracy and maintain the standing of the Supreme Court.

Olmert endorsed Gadi Eisenkot and his Yashar Party, describing Eisenkot as more mature, ready, and popular than other opposition figures. While acknowledging that leaders such as Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Yair Golan differ in significant ways, Olmert placed all of them on the right side of history compared to the current prime minister. He cited polling data suggesting Netanyahu will lose between one-third and 40% of his current political power, a shift he described as considerable.

The former prime minister also took issue with a social media post published by Netanyahu two days before the October 27 election date. In the post, Netanyahu shared an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv while claiming Israel faced an existential threat from Iran. Olmert labeled the move a sign of desperation and a total loss of judgment, accusing the prime minister of creating an atmosphere of panic and fear. He noted that dictators often adopt such tactics when nearing political destruction.

Olmert disputed Netanyahu’s claims regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He called it an outright lie to state that Iran possessed atomic bombs during the Israeli attacks in June 2025 and in the early months of 2026. According to Olmert, Iran had material enriched to 60% stored in underground boxes, a dangerous situation, but the country never possessed a finished bomb, nor did Israel destroy one.

Despite criticizing the current administration, Olmert acknowledged military successes. He said Israel defeated Hezbollah in the north, Hamas in the south, and Iran, which he referred to as an empire, even after the failures of the defense system on October 7. He urged Israel to take the risk of pursuing a two-state solution, which he called the best possible outcome for the state. He held Netanyahu responsible for preceding strategies, including the refusal to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority.

Regarding settler violence in the West Bank, Olmert warned political, army, and police leaders to address what he termed Jewish terror. He stated that these leaders would be held legally responsible for crimes committed in the territory, potentially before the International Criminal Court. Olmert concluded by appealing to voters to embrace change, describing it as a necessary step forward for Israel, the Palestinian people, and the region.