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Olmert: Settlement decision is 'slap in the face' for Obama

Speaking at Saban Forum in Washington, former PM says government isn't dedicated to peace in realistic way, he will do everything possible to help change leadership, but does not reveal political plans.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

DECEMBER 2, 2012 10:11

The approval of 3,000 new housing units in Jerusalem and the West Bank was a slap in the face for US President Barack Obama, former prime minister Ehud Olmert said Saturday at the Saban Forum in Washington

During a conversation hosted by David Igantius of The Washington Post, Olmert stated that the construction was the worst move Israel could make: "This is the worst slap in the face of a US president."

He added that the government in Israel needs to be changed, but that Likud Beiteinu won't be the ones to change it.

Olmert accused Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's government of "not being dedicated to the peace process in a realistic way that will bring peace." He asserted that the Israeli government and its polices must be changed and stressed that he would do everything he could to change the leadership.

Igantius probed Olmert about his possible return to politics, however, Olmert refused to give any clues. He said he would make an announcement when he was back in Israel, and that it would be inappropriate to reveal his plans about Israeli politics in the United States.

He added that he would be very active in upcoming elections, and "what exactly I will do will be made clear in a very short time."

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