Olmert: Netanyahu Faces 40% Power Loss

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert stated on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is poised to lose between one-third and 40% of his current political power. In an interview with Al-Arabiya English, Olmert cited polling data to support the claim that this reduction in influence is substantial.

Netanyahu has led the Likud party for nearly two decades, but his grip on the coalition appears to be loosening as opposition figures unite. The current political landscape is defined by a split between the incumbent and a bloc of rivals who, while distinct, share a common goal of ending his tenure. Olmert noted that the opposition includes Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Lapid, and Yair Golan. Although their platforms differ, Olmert argued they collectively stand on the correct side of history, a position he believes Netanyahu no longer occupies.

The election is scheduled for October 27. Olmert described the upcoming vote as potentially the most consequential in the modern history of the State of Israel. He framed the contest as a fight to preserve Israeli democracy and the standing of the Supreme Court. To voters, he endorsed Gadi Eisenkot and the Yashar Party, describing Eisenkot as the most mature, ready, and popular candidate among the opposition leaders.

Olmert criticized Netanyahu's recent campaign tactics, specifically an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv posted on social media two days before the election. Netanyahu used the post to claim an existential threat from Iran and link national security to the vote. Olmert called the image a sign of desperation and a loss of genuine judgment, accusing the prime minister of creating an atmosphere of panic and hysteria typical of dictators facing political destruction.

The former leader also disputed Netanyahu's claims regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities. Olmert called it a lie that Iran possessed several atomic bombs during Israeli attacks in June 2025 and early 2026. He explained that Iran had enriched material stored underground, which was dangerous, but that the country never actually possessed a bomb. Olmert urged Israel to pursue a two-state solution with Palestinians, which he identified as the best possible outcome for the state. He also warned political and military leaders that if they fail to address settler violence in the West Bank, they could be held legally responsible, potentially before the International Criminal Court.

Olmert concluded by appealing to voters to embrace change. He argued that a shift in leadership would benefit Israel, the Palestinian people, the region, and Jewish communities worldwide. He stated that despite the challenges of the October 7 attack, Israel had defeated Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran, proving that the nation could move forward.