Due to Iran's attack, tension has increased significantly in the Middle East and there are concerns of intensification of military conflict between the two countries, in which Western countries may also get involved. Olmert also indicated that he had confidence in Iran's statement. Iran's military said Sunday that its operation was in retaliation for Israel's deadly attack on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, and that it had “achieved all its objectives.”
Olmert said, “We defeated Iran on Saturday (by shooting down all but seven of the 300 missiles and drones fired by Iran)… We humiliated Iran. This is Iran's worst provocation against Israel.” The action proved to be an important victory because of the expertise and efficiency of the Israeli air defense, so they (the Israeli government) do not need to respond… I think we have won this conflict. No need to continue.”
He said, “I have to say…the Iranians are quite credible. When they announced they would attack, they did. So now that they have announced they have finished…I want to take them seriously.” Am.”
However, the former prime minister stressed that Israel “will, as you can imagine, keep its eyes and ears open, and all systems will be ready in case someone, for whatever reason, decides to attack.” “.
Olmert told NDTV, “But I hope they will see it as a full stop for themselves and my advice to the Israeli government is that we do not need to react.”
Iran has also urged Israel to think twice about retaliating. “The case can be considered closed,” Iran's mission to the UN said on Friday. Also said, “If the Israeli regime makes another mistake, Iran's reaction will be very serious.”
The United Nations has also warned the international community against increasing tension. “Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council.
According to an estimate, 99 percent of Iran's missiles and drones were intercepted. Also, those who could overcome the security also caused minimal damage. Only 12 people are reported injured and there are no deaths.
Iran said its attack was in response to an April 1 attack on its consulate in Damascus, which was blamed on Israel. Seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards were killed in the attack.
Olmert on Israel-Gaza war
Olmert acknowledged that Israel's military offensive on Gaza following the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7 has affected many innocent Palestinians. He said, “We have no desire to attack people who are not participating.” He also said, “…Hamas attacked innocent civilians in their homes. They raped, massacred…they did terrible things to innocent civilians. We have no such policy.”
He said that European countries like the US, France and Britain and the global community including Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Israel's right to respond to the Hamas attack, although later criticism did not make it seem so, due to the civilian casualties.
He said, “…By the way, all the world leaders, including your Prime Minister, said that Israel has the right to respond. When they said this, they knew that Hamas was entrenched in the urban areas of Gaza, where thousands of people And it was almost impossible to contemplate an Israeli retaliatory strike in Gaza without civilian casualties in Gaza, as happened…”
Olmert said, “We recognize that many Palestinians were affected as a result of this operation. I can only tell you what I feel and I know the majority of Israelis feel the same way. We have said 'sorry' and “We are ready to make every possible effort to assist the large-scale and primarily displaced civilians as a result of Hamas' actions,” the former Israeli leader told NDTV.
When will Israel stop action against Gaza?
Regarding a possible end to Israel's attack on Gaza, Olmert said that although he has views on the matter, the decision rests in the hands of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.
He said, “I think we have reached the point where we can stop the war. We have not eliminated every member of Hamas… but to the extent that you can destroy a terrorist organization, we have I think Hamas is almost completely broken… most of their tunnels, missiles, fighter planes are now destroyed and they are unable to regain the same kind of command and political influence in Gaza. it was with him.”
“So this is the right time for Israel to stop the war…to compromise, to bring back the hostages.”
Olmert also called for the creation of an “intervention force” with the help of countries such as the US and India to maintain peace and prevent Hamas from forming again.
“Gaza is part of the Palestinians…”
Along with this, Olmert made an important comment saying, “Gaza is not Israeli…Gaza is part of the Palestinians and it has to be ruled by the Palestinians.” Olmert also asked Israeli officials to “begin negotiations with the Palestinian Authority for a comprehensive peace between us and the Palestinians.” Olmert said that such a body would be acceptable to the Palestinians and the international community.
He said, “I think it should be part of any regional agreement … which would include Saudi Arabia and certainly the (United Arab) Emirates, which already has a peace agreement with Israel. This war is not for us. “And that has been tragic for many Palestinians (and it) could be the starting point for peace talks.”
Olmert argued that an emphasis on peace at this time “could change the balance in the Middle East and hopefully lead to stability (in the region). He also stressed that “negotiations between them and the Palestinians could lead to a two-state solution. “should be based on.”
Israel-Gaza peace talks
Olmert's comments come days after Israel agreed to allow the return of displaced Palestinians from the northern Gaza Strip as part of ongoing ceasefire talks, reportedly a key demand of Hamas.
Israel and Hamas are engaged in lengthy peace talks brokered by Egypt and Qatar. Hamas has asked for a six-week ceasefire before releasing the first batch of hostages since the October attack, The Times of Israel reported on Sunday. In return, Israeli forces will withdraw from urban areas, allowing displaced citizens to return home.
Hamas proposes that a two- and six-week ceasefire be followed before a permanent end to the fighting.
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