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Ex-Prime Minister Warns Israel is "Closer Than Ever" to Civil War Amid Attacks on Institutions

In a new, urgent warning published in Haaretz, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert paints a stark picture of Israel teetering on the brink of civil war. He attributes this perilous situation to a deliberate assault on the nation's democratic institutions, orchestrated by current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. Olmert argues that recent events, particularly those targeting the judiciary, represent a dangerous escalation designed to dismantle Israel's democratic foundations.

Olmert points specifically to the disruption of a Supreme Court hearing by government lawmakers, labeling it an "assault... fostered, backed and to a large extent organized by the prime minister." He criticizes the behavior of certain Knesset members in the courtroom. He highlights threats by figures like Justice Minister Yariv Levin to defy court rulings, interpreting these actions as an "open attempt to initiate a coup" from within the government to undermine the rule of law.

Olmert's warning doesn't stop at the current situation. He foresees potential future escalations that could further destabilize the country. In these scenarios, government supporters or militias, potentially armed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, could storm television news studios or even the Knesset itself to intimidate or remove opponents. Olmert stresses that these are not far-fetched fantasies but plausible outcomes given the current political dynamics and rhetoric branding critics as enemies.

Olmert draws a direct line between the internal political tensions and the escalating violence in the West Bank. He cites unchecked settler attacks against Palestinians and expresses deep concern over potential war crimes and a decline in the ethical conduct of some IDF units. He references former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak's earlier warnings about civil conflict, stating that Israel is already experiencing the initial phases of such a war, currently manifested partly through violence in the occupied territories. Olmert concludes with deep unease, questioning whether mass public protests would accelerate or prevent a descent into widespread internal violence.

Ehud Olmert served as Israel's 12th Prime Minister from 2006 to 2009, taking office after Ariel Sharon suffered a debilitating stroke. A long-time politician, initially from the Likud party before joining Kadima, his premiership oversaw the 2006 Lebanon War and Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. After leaving office, Olmert faced legal challenges and was convicted on corruption charges, serving prison time before his release in 2017. He remains a prominent, albeit controversial, voice in Israeli political discourse.

The full article is available at this link.

Photo: Haaretz

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