Israelis have been experiencing a mix of grief and anger following the announcement by the military that six hostages were killed by their captors in Gaza while troops were closing in on their location. This devastating news has triggered massive protests and a general strike, showcasing a significant internal push on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the most intense since the beginning of the conflict nearly 11 months ago.
Many Israelis hold Netanyahu accountable for the increasing number of deceased hostages and are demanding a cease-fire agreement to secure the release of the roughly 100 remaining captives, even if it means putting an end to the conflict. The recent demonstrations are the largest display of support for a hostage deal since October 7, when militants belonging to Hamas stormed into Israel and abducted 250 individuals.
Despite pressure from various fronts, including key governing partners, top security officials, and international allies like the U.S., Netanyahu has not been able to reach a cease-fire agreement for the conflict in Gaza. The public outcry in Israel is now poised to influence Netanyahu’s next steps in handling the war.
Critics have often accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival above all else during the conflict. His alliance with two ultranationalist parties who strongly oppose any deal that could end the war or release Palestinian prisoners convicted of killing Israelis has further complicated the situation. Netanyahu faces the challenge of balancing his political alliances while addressing the demands for a cease-fire.
Despite blaming Hamas for the lack of a deal, Netanyahu is also dealing with his ongoing trial on corruption charges. Any decision leading to a cease-fire or significant changes could impact his legal proceedings. The mounting toll of the conflict in Gaza has resulted in growing international isolation for Israel, with U.S. President Joe Biden recently expressing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s negotiation efforts.
The recent demonstrations and strike in Israel have reiterated the public’s discontent with Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, with many accusing him of prioritizing political interests over the lives of the hostages. The protests have been the largest since the start of the war and have drawn attention to the urgency of reaching a resolution.
However, the effectiveness of public pressure is limited by political divisions within Israeli society. Without sustained and widespread protests, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu will be compelled to alter his strategy in negotiations. Despite the challenges, relatives of the hostages killed in Gaza are hopeful that the recent protests will signal a turning point in the conflict and push for progress towards a deal.
