Israel is witnessing widespread protests and a national strike, marking the first significant challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the October 7 attacks. The unrest follows the recovery of the bodies of six captives in Gaza, who were killed shortly before being found by Israel’s military. Netanyahu has blamed Hamas for the deaths, while around 300,000 protesters took to the streets, holding his government accountable for failing to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
The protests have intensified, with Israel’s main labor union calling for a nationwide strike on Monday, which temporarily brought the country to a standstill. Analysts believe that the impact of these protests and the strike on Netanyahu’s power will only become clear in the coming days. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli ambassador, emphasized that the key question is whether these demonstrations will continue and grow or remain a one-time event.
Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which began after the October 7 attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian factions, has claimed nearly 41,000 lives in Gaza and wounded over 94,000. International courts are now hearing allegations against Israel for committing genocide, with the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and two Hamas leaders.
Despite public pressure for a ceasefire and the release of captives, Netanyahu has introduced new conditions that have derailed negotiations, leading to further criticism within Israel. The recent discovery of the six bodies has only fueled opposition to his approach, with some of his rivals, including Defense Minister Gallant and opposition leader Yair Lapid, beginning to speak out.
While Netanyahu remains unpopular with a significant portion of the population, he continues to enjoy support from the far-right factions within his government. Analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s next move will be critical, with many expecting him to double down on his current strategies as he faces increasing internal and external pressures. Whether these protests and the national strike will be enough to shake his hold on power remains to be seen.
