Former Israeli leader recounts internal pressure to extend Gaza operation and its political fallout

Former Israeli leader recounts internal pressure to extend Gaza operation and its political fallout The passage provides a first‑person account linking former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and then‑Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to decisions that prolonged a Gaza military operation for political gain. It offers specific dates (January 17) and suggests a motive (boosting Livni’s electoral profile), which could be pursued for corroboration. However, the claims are anecdotal, lack concrete evidence of wrongdoing, and involve actors already widely reported, limiting novelty and immediate investigative impact. Key insights: Olmert allegedly pushed to extend ground operations in Gaza beyond the original plan.; The extension is claimed to have been intended to improve Tzipi Livni’s political standing before elections.; A cease‑fire was announced on January 17, three weeks after the operation began.