Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is near the end of his political career. And after years as Mayor of Jerusalem and Israel’s leader, Mr. Olmert has finally spoken clearly about the reality Israel must confront in order to achieve peace: Give up the West Bank.

Speaking to the Israeli paper Yediot Aharonot, Messer Olmert gave his most personal interview. Criticizing his past right-wing colonizing views, Olmert spoke in strong and stark terms about Israel’s need to give up the West Bank.

This means an almost universal pull-back from the occupied territory, with Israeli compensation from its own land to the Palestinians in order to accommodate the annexation of major Israeli settlements in the area. Israel must also share Jerusalem with most of East Jerusalem coming under Palestinian control and the sharing of the Haram el-Sharif; a site holy to Muslims, Christians and Jews.

Messer Olmert’s words are refreshing to hear. As he himself said: “What I am saying to you now has not been said by any Israeli leader before me.” Messer Olmert has come along way from being the hawkish deputy of Ariel Sharon. And his words are endearing and courageous to those on both sides who want peace. But the timing is unfortunate.

Mr. Olmert should have presented these words to his countrymen when he came to power or at least some time before he resigned and began to make his way into private life. Israelis need to hear the call for peace from their leaders vocally and without reservations, not in interviews by a PM with an abysmal approval ration.

Although such words are too late for Mr. Olmert to act on. He might be still worthy of applause if he has created a proper stage for peace for the next Israeli Prime Minister to enter on: Tipzi Livni.