Israel is witnessing a resurgence of its deep political divisions, which had momentarily subsided in the wake of the Hamas attacks on October 7. Six months after the incident, protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, have reignited with thousands taking to the streets, fueled by the war’s intensification.
In Jerusalem, authorities resorted to using skunk water to disperse protesters who had obstructed Begin Boulevard, a critical thoroughfare. The demonstrations not only reiterated calls for Netanyahu’s resignation and early elections but also voiced the urgent demand for the release of the 134 Israeli hostages still detained in Gaza, some of whom are feared dead.
The prolongation of the conflict raises concerns among the hostages’ families and friends, as well as the protesters, about the potential increase in casualties without a resolution. Amid these protests, one notable voice was that of Katia Amorza, a mother with a son serving in the Israeli army in Gaza, who openly expressed her desire for Netanyahu to leave office, criticizing his government’s composition.
Rabbi Yehudah Glick, known for advocating Jewish prayer rights at the Temple Mount, suggested that the protesters were misdirecting their anger towards Netanyahu instead of focusing on Hamas, the real adversary according to him. This sentiment underscores the division in Israeli society, with some rallying behind Netanyahu while others accuse his government, supported by ultranationalist Jewish parties, of undermining democracy.
Critics argue that more military pressure on Hamas is the only way to secure the hostages’ release, a stance supported by members of the Religious Zionism party within Netanyahu’s coalition. However, this approach has sparked debate among Israelis and international observers alike.
Netanyahu’s stance has historically opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state, diverging from international efforts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict through the creation of two states. His rejection of proposals for governance in Gaza post-war is viewed by some as a tactic to maintain far-right support.
Among the protesters, retired Brigadier General David Agmon, who once served as Netanyahu’s chief of staff, voiced his strong opposition to the Prime Minister, labeling him a danger to Israel’s future.
As Netanyahu rules out early elections and commits to a new offensive against Hamas in Rafah, his political resilience continues to be tested. While the Israeli populace largely agrees on the objective to dismantle Hamas, the conduct of the war and the government’s inability to secure the release of all hostages are significant sources of contention, placing Netanyahu under substantial pressure.
© 2023 Global Updates