Jerusalem: Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert has made a significant allegation regarding activities in the occupied West Bank, accusing Israeli police, the army, and the Shin Bet security service of supporting what he terms as a "violent and criminal attempt at ethnic cleansing," orchestrated by extremist settlers.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Olmert expressed his concerns through an article published in the Israeli daily Haaretz. He detailed the actions of armed settler groups, who he claims are involved in persecuting, injuring, and even killing Palestinians in the region. The alleged attacks include burning olive groves, homes, and vehicles, breaking into houses, physically assaulting residents, harming livestock, dispersing sheep herds, and attempting theft.
Olmert asserted that these "Jewish terrorists" are motivated by the desire to drive Palestinians from their homes to facilitate Jewish settlement in the area, pursuing the broader goal of annexing the land. He pointed out the passive response of police officers and soldiers, suggesting that such violent acts wouldn't be possible without the initiative and encouragement from far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
He further claimed that militias are operating with explicit backing from Israeli government officials, and that the Israeli police are complicit in encouraging "Jewish terrorism." Olmert criticized the Shin Bet for not applying the same preventive measures against Jewish extremists as it does against Palestinians, failing to prevent attacks or apprehend those responsible.
The former prime minister highlighted the broader issue of military inaction, noting instances where soldiers either cooperate with rioters or remain passive observers during these incidents. Olmert called for international political intervention to pressure the Israeli government into taking action to stop these alleged crimes against humanity, suggesting that the International Criminal Court might eventually need to investigate and prosecute those involved.