Thousands of Israelis poured into the streets in a wave of anger and grief, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the bodies of six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were recovered in Gaza. The protests, which erupted across the country from Tel Aviv to Eilat, were the largest since the start of the war with Hamas in October 2023.
Protesters chanted, “You are the leader – you are guilty!” and held signs blaming Netanyahu for the deaths of the hostages. In Tel Aviv, a group even stood behind a mock cemetery, further highlighting their anger and frustration.
The widespread outrage led to a general strike called by the Histadrut trade union, bringing the country to a standstill for several hours. Ben Gurion International Airport halted departures, universities, shopping malls, and ports were closed, and the northern coastal city of Haifa also joined the strike. While the labor court eventually ordered workers to return to their jobs, the strike underscored the depth of public discontent.
The protests, which continued into the evening, saw police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters who blocked the Ayalon highway. Authorities arrested 29 people in Tel Aviv, accusing them of vandalism and attacking officers.
Despite the unrest, many Israelis believe these protests will be a turning point for the country, challenging Netanyahu’s hold on power. The question on everyone’s mind is: Will this be the end for Netanyahu, or will he weather this storm?
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu, showing no signs of backing down, vowed to maintain Israeli control of the border between Egypt and Gaza, known as the Philadelphi Corridor. He claims this is necessary to ensure Israel’s security and prevent Hamas from using the area as a supply route. Netanyahu’s stance has faced criticism from within his own government, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant calling the prioritization of the corridor over a deal to free hostages a “moral disgrace.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid joined the chorus of criticism, accusing Netanyahu of “spin” and dismissing his claims about the need to control the corridor.
Adding to the pressure, a recent poll revealed that a majority of Israelis believe this should be Netanyahu’s last term as Prime Minister.
Despite the growing public disapproval and internal dissent, analysts believe Netanyahu will likely remain steadfast in his approach, fearing the consequences of concessions. His far-right coalition partners might abandon him, and he also faces the weight of his legacy and the hope of clawing victory from the Gaza quagmire.
The situation in Israel is fraught with tension and uncertainty. The protests and pressure on Netanyahu are a clear indication of the deep divisions within the country, and the path forward remains unclear. The coming days will reveal whether the protests will lead to a change in the government’s direction or whether Netanyahu will be able to hold on to his position.
