Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Photo: Antônio Milena.

I recently had an extensive discussion with former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert, at NYU’s John Brademas Center for the Study of Congress in Washington, DC. In our discussion, he was more emphatic than ever that the time to forge a peace agreement with the Palestinians is now.

The environment in the Middle East, with Hamas’ strength and popularity at its lowest, the Gulf states gravitating toward Israel because of their concern over Iran’s nuclear program, the waning strength of the Muslim Brotherhood, and the ongoing turmoil in Iraq and Syria, makes the settlement of the conflict more desirable than ever as it will allow Israel to focus on these other issues.

He echoed John Kerry’s assessment of Mahmoud Abbas’ commitment to peace because Abbas has never been stronger politically and is willing to make the hard decisions to forge an agreement, which he was unable to do in the past. Mr. Olmert remains an invaluable source of inspiration, calling for peace now to free Israel from the bondage of the debilitating occupation and the dangerous erosion of Israel’s moral standing.

Watch my discussion with Ehud Olmert below: