But Olmert acknowledged that such leadership comes at a price. “I paid personally, dearly. But there was no option for me but to do what I did. And I know for sure, and I know the names, of the people that spent millions of dollars in order to stop me — from the United States.”

He was then asked if there is still time for a two-state solution. “There is time,” said Olmert, “but time is running out.”

He admits that Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, never said yes to his 2008 proposal, but also insists that he never said no.

“So why not reintroduce this plan again, and present the challenge to the Palestinians?” asked Olmert.

He said he hoped his successor, Netanyahu, would adopt his peace proposal — which included the division of Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians claim as their capital — but that so far this had not happened.

Abbas/PA side kept saying ‘No’ to Olmert/Annapolis proposals. (FYI if Olmert really comes in.)