Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert emphasized that a full-scale war with Hezbollah would be a bad idea, as "Israel will suffer pain unseen in its history." In an interview with CNN, he stated, "If a full-scale war breaks out in the north, Lebanon is likely to disappear; there will be total destruction. We have the capability to do that, but at the same time if Hezbollah uses all its power, which it will, Israel will suffer more pain than ever in our history of confrontations with Arab countries."
Olmert confirmed that "in other words, there is no interest for Israel and no interest for Hezbollah in entering a full-scale war. We can reach an agreement, which requires wisdom, patience, perseverance, and restraint," noting that "neither side possesses much of these qualities right now, so that's a problem."
In response to the question of who the best leader for Israel is, Olmert said, "I don’t know his name yet; it’s time for someone to be in a leadership position. The only thing expected, perhaps more than anything else, is their ability to make a decision. It can be in stark contrast to everything they have stood for, fought for, and defended their whole lives, if this is the right thing at the right time for their nation."
He added, "I am looking for someone in Israel with the courage to step up and say, ‘Yes, I know this may not be entirely popular right now, but what we need is a political solution. We need to make peace with the Palestinians. We can fight forever and occupy forever, but that won't take us anywhere... What we need to do is peace now, and I am ready to fight for that and achieve it, and I need the support of the people.'”
He viewed that "with this kind of courage and leadership and vision, there is a chance to gain the majority. Who will do that? Let’s wait and see."
