Israeli Opposition Leader Abandoning War Cabinet, Premiere Disbanding Entire Group: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Faces Severe Domestic Criticism
Violent Confrontations at Anti-Netanyahu Protests
The Israeli opposition leader has abandoned the war cabinet, forcing Premier Netanyahu to disband it completely. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is under immense scrutiny both domestically and internationally. Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Israel to demonstrate against Netanyahu's military action in the Gaza Strip and his push for early elections. On Monday evening, protesters moved their demonstration to Jerusalem, targeting the parliament and the prime minister's residence. Scuffles with the police erupted, resulting in nine arrests, including for violence against law enforcement personnel. Some officers were reportedly injured.
"I'm happy to see people taking a stand. I hope it continues," said Yaacov Godo, whose son was one of the 1194 people killed by Hamas in Israel on October 7. "We need to bring the country to a standstill to bring down the government," he demanded. A retired engineer argued that Netanyahu was accountable "for what happened on October 7." Every decision made by the prime minister contributes to "the deterioration of Israel," the 73-year-old added. "Even if there's war now, each day it continues with him is a bad day," he emphasized.
Following over eight months of conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is experiencing significant internal criticism. Last weekend, opposition leader Benny Gantz severed ties with the war cabinet formed after Hamas' massive attack. On Monday, a government spokesperson announced that the war cabinet had been dissolved.
Silent Stand for Captives
Protesters on the streets of Jerusalem sought new elections and a truce deal with Hamas to return the remaining captives to Israel. "All now!", they shouted prior to observing a moment of silence for the still-detained individuals. Some demonstrators wore T-shirts bearing phrases like "End the War" and "We Are All Equal." Similar protests had drawn tens of thousands of people in Tel Aviv, Israel's largest city, in recent weeks.
According to Israeli news outlets, Hamas and other Islamic groups killed 1194 people and captured 251 people during the October 7 massacre. Some of the captives have been released, while others have been freed or are believed to be dead. However, "Dozens of captives are definitely still alive," a senior Israeli government official, who wished to remain anonymous, told news agency AFP. "We can't keep them any longer; they will die," the unnamed negotiator warned.
In response to the Hamas massacre, Israel has been engaging in military operations in the Gaza Strip since October. According to the health ministry under Hamas control, which cannot be independently verified, over 37,340 people have been killed.
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The dissolution of the war cabinet by Premier Netanyahu is a direct result of opposition leader Benny Gantz's decision to abandon it. Despite the disbandment, Benjamin Netanyahu continues to face intense criticism from Israeli citizens, as demonstrated by the ongoing demonstrations against his military action in the Gaza Strip and his push for early elections.
