Former Israeli PM: UK Arms Ban Unlikely to Impact Gaza Conflict, Calls for Focus on Israel’s Lack of Strategy

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has criticized Britain’s recent suspension of certain arms exports to Israel, suggesting the move will not significantly affect the country’s military operations in Gaza, Politico reports.

In an interview on POLITICO’s Power Play podcast, Olmert described the ban as a “mistake” and advised Israel’s allies to focus instead on the absence of a clear political strategy from the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Olmert argued that the suspension of 30 out of 350 arms licenses, which includes parts for fighter planes, helicopters, and drones, would have little to no impact on Israel’s campaign in Gaza. He added that the decision, while possibly influenced by humanitarian concerns, risks being a wasted opportunity for British opposition leader Keir Starmer to influence broader Middle East events.

“Britain and other allies should be concentrating on the fact that there is no political horizon or end-game strategy from Netanyahu’s government,” Olmert stated.

He urged international efforts to address what he perceives as a lack of long-term planning.

The UK’s decision, announced earlier this week, was driven by concerns over the potential use of arms in violation of international humanitarian law. However, Olmert does not expect the US to follow suit, noting that Washington provides the majority of Israel’s arms. He suggested that while the US government may not take similar action, it might have tacitly approved the UK’s decision.

Olmert, who served as Israel’s prime minister from 2006 to 2009, has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict with Hamas. He described Netanyahu’s handling of the war as a miscalculation, criticizing what he sees as the prime minister’s “arrogance” in dealing with Israel’s allies. He expressed disappointment that more coordinated international efforts have not been made to curb Netanyahu’s policies.

Reflecting on his time in office, Olmert recalled the pressures faced by British leaders Tony Blair and Gordon Brown due to public opinion on Israel. He warned that Netanyahu should remain mindful of similar pressures faced by friendly governments today.

Regarding US politics, Olmert downplayed the potential impact of the upcoming presidential election on the conflict, referencing former President Donald Trump’s past support for a two-state solution as a signal that US policy may not shift dramatically regardless of the election’s outcome.