Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert's Oxford Union Address Disrupted by Pro-Palestine Protests

Oxford, UK – Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's address at the Oxford Union on Sunday, November 16, 2025, was significantly disrupted by pro-Palestine activists, leading to arrests and accusations of war crimes. The protests, organized by groups including Oxford Action for Palestine, saw demonstrators block entrances, chant slogans, and accuse Olmert of being a "war criminal" for his role in past conflicts. The event highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Olmert's legacy and his current positions.

The disruption prompted a strong reaction from commentators, with John Aziz stating in a tweet, "> Ehud Olmert is a moderate who advocates for peace and a 2 state solution, and indeed was literally in the process of offering this to Mahmoud Abbas when he was in office. Protesting him is totally brain rot." This perspective emphasizes Olmert's historical efforts towards a two-state solution during his premiership from 2006 to 2009.

During his time as Prime Minister, Olmert engaged in extensive peace negotiations with then-Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. These talks, which took place in 2008, reportedly involved a comprehensive proposal for a two-state solution, including land swaps and a resolution for Jerusalem. However, the negotiations ultimately did not result in a final agreement before Olmert's resignation amidst corruption allegations.

The protesters at the Oxford Union cited Olmert's leadership during the 2006 Lebanon War and the 2008-2009 Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead) as reasons for their demonstration. They chanted "war criminal, arrest him" and displayed banners, with some activists scaling walls and being removed from the premises. Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass.

Despite the historical context of his peace efforts, Olmert has recently been vocal in his criticism of the current Israeli government's actions in Gaza. In May 2025, he published an op-ed stating that Israel was committing "war crimes," a significant shift in stance for a former leader. This recent commentary adds another layer to the complex public perception of Olmert, caught between past peace initiatives and current condemnations of military conduct.