The mass protests are evidence that many in Israel feel abandoned by their government Yet Netanyahu is unlikely to shift course
Israelis are once again venting their anger over the failure of the government to reach a deal to release the hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
Hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across the country over the past couple days, with some gathering outside the homes of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US embassy. The first nationwide strike since last October’s Hamas attack also brought the country to a standstill.
The spark for the protests was the discovery of the bodies of six hostages who had been executed by Hamas shortly before Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) located them. On Monday, Netanyahu issued a rare apology to the families.
The demonstrations mark a new low in the relationship between large segments of the Israeli public and their elected government, which now seems beyond repair.
So, how will Netanyahu respond?
Massive protests have been a regular feature in Israel since the most right-wing government in Israel’s history was formed in January 2023.
Throughout much of 2023, protesters marched in the streets in outrage over the government’s proposals to reform the judicial system, which aimed to limit the power of Israel’s Supreme Court.
And following Hamas’ October 7 terror attack on southern Israel, the families of the hostages have held regular rallies calling on the government to do everything possible, including making painful concessions to Hamas in ceasefire negotiations, to bring them home.
Some 250 men, women and children were kidnapped on October 7. More than 100 were freed during a hostage-prisoner exchange with Hamas in November. Around 100 are believed to remain in captivity, including about 35 thought to be dead.
Endless rounds of ceasefire negotiations since the start of the war – mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar – have yielded no concrete results.
After months of wrangling, the US is planning to present both sides with what it calls a “take it or leave it” deal in the coming weeks.
