The key facts

  • Israel's elections will be held on Tuesday; these are the first votes since the October 7 attacks and the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
  • Ehud Olmert accuses Netanyahu of creating 'an atmosphere of hysteria and fear' and supports Gadi Eisenkot.
  • In Olmert's view, even if Netanyahu is defeated, no significant changes in policy are expected.

Elections as a 'battle for the future'

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in an interview with Euronews called the general elections, which will be held on Tuesday, 'an inevitable battle for the future of Israel.' According to him, the fate of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'could become a catastrophe for the State of Israel.' These are the country's first elections since the October 7 attacks and the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Assessments and expectations

Olmert claims that Netanyahu is 'creating an atmosphere of hysteria and fear.' The former prime minister himself supports former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, whom he describes as 'restrained and responsible.' At the same time, in Olmert's view, even a possible defeat for Netanyahu will not lead to significant changes in the country's policy — however, he believes that Israel 'is on the way to becoming normal again.'