Here is what is going on: Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside the Knesset, calling for fresh elections to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Context: Because Netanyahu’s government was pushing for judicial reform, there had been large-scale weekly rallies against it before October 7. But after October 7, it was thought that joining forces to fight Hamas was essential.
- Zoom out: Many Israelis are upset that, after five months of fighting, Netanyahu has not returned any more captives and that the government is not forcing the country’s fervently religious citizens into the armed forces.
Why is it important? Israel’s military operation may only be slowed down and hostage negotiations may become more difficult as a result of calls for new elections and government division.
- The data: Only 34% of Israelis believe Netanyahu is qualified to serve as prime minister, and only 15% believe he should remain in that role once the Gaza War is over.
Hostage families: At a press conference in Tel Aviv, sixteen relatives of Hamas hostages criticized Netanyahu for allegedly “botching” negotiations that would have allowed their family members to return home.
- The information: “His concern for coalition stability outweighs his clear duty to bring our loved ones home,” one relative stated. The hostages are still in Gaza six months after we were instructed to tour the world and remain still! This is an intentional and total failure!”
The offer that was rejected: in return for 40 hostages, Israel pledged to release 700 Palestinian militants and to a six-week ceasefire. At the eleventh hour, Hamas declared it would only accept a settlement that contained an ongoing cessation of hostilities.
- Consequences: Over 100 captives are being detained by Hamas in Gaza; survivors report having been subjected to sexual abuse and torture. More of their lives are in danger each day when there isn’t a hostage settlement.
The post Anti-Netanyahu Protests are back in Israel first appeared on Boveed.
The post Anti-Netanyahu Protests are back in Israel appeared first on Boveed.
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