Olmert Urges Trump to Tell Netanyahu: 'Enough Is Enough'

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has called on Donald Trump to directly pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza, calling its continuation a "crime" and warning that it no longer serves Israel's interests.

Olmert argued that the United States, and Trump in particular, holds unparalleled influence over the Israeli government and should use it decisively. He urged Trump to summon Netanyahu and publicly declare: “Bibi, enough is enough.”

Olmert, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2009, accused Netanyahu of failing to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that ignited the war. He said that while the international community initially supported Israel’s right to defend itself, that support eroded when Netanyahu rejected chances to de-escalate and instead intensified the military campaign.

He criticized Netanyahu for putting personal political survival ahead of national interest, suggesting that fear of losing his governing coalition has driven his decision to continue the war. Analysts believe Netanyahu is concerned that ending the war could collapse his coalition and lead to elections he may lose.

“If this war is not saving hostages, is no longer weakening Hamas meaningfully, and is instead causing more deaths among soldiers, hostages, and innocent civilians, then it has become a crime,” Olmert said. “This must be condemned, not accepted.”

Despite international concern over the humanitarian toll in Gaza, the U.S. continues to provide critical support to Israel, including military aid and diplomatic protection.

Olmert is promoting a plan alongside former Palestinian foreign minister Nasser Al-Qidwa to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution. The proposal includes mutual land swaps—4.4% from each side—to establish a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.

Olmert called the plan “practical, doable, relevant, valid, and real,” and said it will be discussed at a high-level meeting this month aimed at advancing recognition of a Palestinian state. Still, he acknowledged that public support in Israel for a two-state solution has diminished since the October 7 attacks.

Though his own political career ended after a prison sentence for corruption, Olmert is attempting to re-enter the public conversation as an advocate for peace. “Leadership is required on both sides,” he said. “We want to show that this vision of peace is not lost—it still offers a future of hope.”

Al-Qidwa, who is joining Olmert to promote the plan, echoed that sentiment but warned that progress is impossible under current leadership in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. He called for a complete change, saying: “You have to get rid of both. And that is going to happen.”

He criticized the Palestinian leadership as “corrupt and inept” and said a shift in mindset will come once the war ends. “The moment the war stops, we’ll begin to see a different way of thinking. Coexistence is still possible.”