Anti-government protests have surged across Israel, with demonstrators calling for immediate elections and an end to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. The protests, fueled by recent political turmoil and the ongoing war in Gaza, have seen clashes with police and widespread disruption.
The protests were ignited by the collapse of Netanyahu’s wartime unity government following the departure of two centrist former generals, Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu now relies heavily on ultra-Orthodox and far-right partners, whose controversial policies have exacerbated societal divisions.
Protesters express deep dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s handling of pivotal issues, including the war in Gaza and the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service. They blame the government for perceived failures in preparedness and strategy during the conflict, particularly following Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7th.
The ongoing hostage crisis, with Israeli citizens held by Hamas in Gaza, is a major source of concern and frustration. Many Israelis accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing political interests over national security, demanding a ceasefire and a deal to secure the hostages’ release. The recent dissolution of the war cabinet, following Gantz’s resignation, has further fueled these calls.
There are differing opinions among protesters regarding the continuation of the war in Gaza. While some support continued military action until Hamas is dismantled, others advocate for an immediate ceasefire, linking it to the resolution of the hostage crisis. This divergence reflects broader public sentiment about the war’s objectives and its toll on both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
Critics accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over national interests and security. Allegations that Netanyahu’s reluctance to commit to a ceasefire is influenced by his legal troubles and a desire to remain in power further fuel calls for his resignation or re-election.
The current coalition government, relying heavily on far-right parties, is perceived as unstable and lacking broad public support. Opposition leaders like Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid have capitalised on this dissatisfaction by advocating for early elections, believing they could win a mandate for a more stable and effective government.
Netanyahu’s political maneuvers, including his approach to the war and the hostage crisis, are seen by many protesters as driven by a desire to stay in power and avoid legal consequences. His reliance on far-right coalition partners, who prioritize continuing the war over negotiating a ceasefire, is perceived as a political strategy to maintain his grip on power despite dwindling public support.
The government’s legislative actions have also sparked outrage. The coalition’s vote to lower the age of exemption from mandatory military service for Haredi yeshiva students and the discussion of extending the retirement age for IDF reservists have been met with fierce opposition.
Activists from the Mothers at the Front and Brothers in Arms groups have blocked the IDF induction center at Tel Hashomer, demanding equal military service for all citizens.
The dissolution of the war cabinet consolidates Netanyahu’s influence over Israel’s wartime policies, diminishing the likelihood of a ceasefire in Gaza. His reliance on the security cabinet, dominated by hard-liners opposed to U.S.-backed ceasefire proposals, underscores his strategic approach to prolong the conflict, potentially to avoid new elections and a corruption trial.
Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes far-right parties, is seen as fragile and unrepresentative of the majority of Israelis. Key figures in the coalition, like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, hold significant sway, pushing for continued military actions without prioritizing the hostage crisis. This internal tension within the government adds to the call for elections.
The ongoing war in Gaza, which has persisted for over eight months, has seen a shift in public opinion. Initially, there was broad support for the war in response to the October 7th attacks. However, as the conflict drags on, with significant casualties on both sides and no clear end in sight, support is waning. Many Israelis are now questioning the long-term objectives of the war, especially given the high human and economic costs.
As public discontent grows and protests intensify, Netanyahu’s political future appears increasingly uncertain. The opposition’s relentless push for new elections and accountability for the government’s failures on 7 October highlights the precariousness of his leadership. With protesters vowing to sustain their efforts until significant political changes occur, the question remains: Are Netanyahu’s days numbered?
