Ehud Olmert
- Known for
- Prime Minister of Israel, Mayor of Jerusalem, Corruption conviction
- Born in
- British Mandate of Palestine
- Education
- Degrees in psychology, philosophy and law, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Ehud Olmert served as Israel's Prime Minister from 2006 to 2009, rising through the ranks of Likud and co-founding Kadima. His tenure was defined by the complex 2006 Lebanon War and intense efforts toward a Palestinian state negotiated during the Annapolis Conference.
Olmert's legacy is notably overshadowed by his subsequent legal troubles, leading to convictions for bribery and obstruction of justice.
Signature Positions
Olmert's policy positions during his premiership included significant shifts in strategic priorities:
- Palestine: Advocated for a two-state solution, warning that failure could lead to the end of the democratic nature of the State of Israel.
- Iran: Took a hard line against Iran's nuclear aspirations, considering military action and publicly alluding to Israel's nuclear status.
- Syria: Engaged in direct, indirect peace talks with Syria, seeking a resolution regarding occupied territory.
- Gaza: Oversaw Operation Cast Lead in response to rocket attacks, justifying a severe military response while later calling for ceasefires.
How Views Have Evolved
Olmert demonstrated significant ideological evolution regarding territorial withdrawals:
- He initially voted against Menachem Begin's 1978 peace accords and opposed land withdrawals, citing the danger.
- Later, as a Kadima leader, he became a vocal supporter of Ariel Sharon's Gaza disengagement, publicly admitting his previous opposition to Begin was a mistake.
Notable Tensions
Olmert’s tenure and post-premiership are marked by deep contradictions and controversies:
- Corruption Convictions: He was convicted of bribery regarding the Holyland Affair and later for breach of trust in the Talansky case, leading to significant prison time.
- Winograd Commission: Faced harsh criticism for his handling of the 2006 Lebanon War, which severely damaged his approval ratings and prompted calls for his resignation.
- Peace vs. War: Simultaneously pursued comprehensive peace talks with the Palestinians while authorizing major military operations like Operation Cast Lead and Operation Orchard.
Olmert’s career saw him rise from Mayor of Jerusalem to Prime Minister, following in the footsteps of Ariel Sharon and his father, a former Herut politician.
His resignation amidst an active corruption probe set a precedent for Israeli political leadership, underscoring the scrutiny faced by high-level officials in Israel.
Post-release, he remains politically active, criticizing the Netanyahu government in recent commentary.