Opting to include his voice among the nations condemning Israel for announcing plans to build 3,000 new homes, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert relies on the average person’s short term memory. In fact, it would appear that one’s memory is erased by tomorrow’s headline story, as today’s pressing issue is too often forgotten with the next political scandal.

Olmert had harsh words for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s announced decision, but he failed to tell reporters that when he was prime minister, he was an ardent advocate of Israeli construction in the E1 area.

Interestingly, a report in the German Der Spiegel states that German Chancellor Angela Merkel planned to oppose the UN General Assembly vote to grant the PA (Palestinian Authority) non-member observer nation status, but changed her mind and abstained. The report credits former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s announced position, along with a discussion that took place between the chancellor and Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim. Merkel’s senior political advisor reportedly informed Israeli National Security Advisor Yaakov Meridor of the chancellor’s change of position the night before the UN vote.

The report states Barenboim spoke with Merkel, urging her not to oppose the UN vote, explaining the two-state solution depends on this. Der Spiegel adds that while Barenboim’s voice was heard, what persuaded Merkel was Olmert, who “understood Abu Mazen’s decision to take his case to the United Nations”, speaking of Israel’s responsibilities vis-à-vis the PA. “This time around, Merkel decided not to respond to the request from Prime Minister Netanyahu’ the report concludes.

Aides to Mr. Olmert deny the accuracy of the report, adding “The chancellor does not need advice from Mr. Olmert regarding her nation’s foreign policy decisions.”

Responding to the Der Spiegel report, Likud Minister Gilad Erdan called Olmert “The new inciter against Israel in the international community.” Erdan reminds the media of an interview given to Haaretz by then Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in 2006, when he expressed support for the E1 construction project. At that time he stated “It is unacceptable to view Maale Adumim as an integral part of Israel while permitting it to remain isolated. There can be no doubt regarding the need for territorial contiguity between the capital and Maale Adumim”.

Aides to Olmert responded again, explaining that yes he did support E1 construction as he does today, but only following a final status agreement with the PA, at which time there will be agreement surrounding the construction. “Olmert feels the area must remain under Israeli sovereignty after the final agreement, and he still supports construction towards achieving the territorial contiguity to Maale Adumim.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)