OTTAWA — Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has urged Canadians to oppose the Israeli government rather than the Israeli people. He criticized his successor, Benjamin Netanyahu, for framing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as an adversary of Israel.

"I only advise the people of Canada to oppose the Israeli government. That’s perfectly legitimate," Olmert stated. "Don’t oppose the State of Israel and the people of Israel. They are friends of Canada."

Olmert's comments come amid a six-month silence between Carney and Netanyahu. He advised Netanyahu against labeling Canada as an enemy, asserting, "Canada is a friend of Israel and the prime minister of Canada is a friend of Israel."

Speaking at a conference in Ottawa organized by the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, Olmert, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2009, has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu's government since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict nearly two years ago. The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants killed 1,200 people in Israel. In response, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Gaza, leading to significant casualties, with Hamas reporting 65,000 deaths.

Olmert accused Netanyahu and his far-right cabinet of misrepresenting Israel's image globally. He pointed to widespread protests against the government and public opinion polls indicating that many Israelis favor negotiating with Hamas to secure the release of hostages.

"The voice of Israel is the voice of millions of people that are absolutely unhappy and non-supportive of many aspects of the Israeli government," Olmert said. He emphasized that many former military leaders oppose the ongoing military operations in Gaza.

He also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's unwavering support for Netanyahu, suggesting it contributes to Israel's negative global standing. "There is nothing more that Trump enjoys than being against the whole world. And today, being against the whole world is to be with Netanyahu," Olmert remarked.

Olmert further claimed that Netanyahu is prolonging the conflict to maintain his coalition with far-right parties and avoid facing corruption charges. He referenced his own experience, having left office amid a corruption investigation and serving time in prison for bribery.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Olmert believes a two-state solution remains viable. He cited historical examples, such as the reconciliation between France and Germany after World War II.

He defended Carney's pursuit of a two-state solution, despite Netanyahu's criticisms. Carney has not spoken directly with Netanyahu since taking office six months ago. Canadian officials have attempted to arrange a call between the two leaders, but no discussions have occurred.

Carney did have a brief conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a papal inauguration in May. Observers noted that Netanyahu did not congratulate Carney after his election in April and criticized him during the campaign. Netanyahu's office has not responded to inquiries regarding the lack of communication with Carney.