[justiceseeker93]

Though his record as Israeli PM isn’t very good and he’s now unpopular in his own country, I wouldn’t call Olmert a “rookie.” He’s been around Israeli politics for quite some time, but he migrated from right toward left, regrettably, after he saw his mentor Sharon do the same. Plus he’s involved in scandal allegations that stem from before he was PM.

[bpjam]

Olmert used to be the Mayor of Jerusalum and was widely regardless as the most non-ideological and popular with liberal Jews and Arabs. His political experience didn't cover things like running wars, military planning or negotiating with other nations. On a personal level, he was one of the most arab friendly politicians in Israel. But he gets no credit for that now.

Olmert is in the Gerald Ford seat. Nobody asked for him to be there and the guy he replaced had the credentials to turn peacemaker without being thought to be soft. Olmert was never thought to be anything BUT soft.