Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert Urges World Leaders to Boycott Netanyahu

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Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Photo/REUTERS

TEL AVIV – Former Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Ehud Olmert called on world leaders to boycott current Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for pushing for a judicial overhaul.

Israeli media reported the rare call for international intervention in Israel’s affairs came amid protests by tens of thousands of Israelis against the planned judicial reforms.

Olmert served as prime minister of Israel from 2006-2009. He was reported by Israel’s Channel 12 to encourage global leaders to refuse to meet with Netanyahu.

Olmert especially appealed to British Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak who is expected to host Netanyahu in the coming weeks.

“I urge leaders of friendly countries of Israel to refrain from meeting with the Israeli prime minister,” Olmert urged.

He said he found his call, as Israel’s former prime minister, “quite overwhelming,” but said it was urgent given the ongoing situation in Israel.

“I think the current Israeli government is simply anti-Israel,” Olmert stressed, taking aim at Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, which opposes ending the occupation of Palestinian territories and supports increased construction of illegal Jewish settlements.

“Those who support the state of Israel must oppose the prime minister of the state of Israel,” Olmert said.

(she)