A Nation on the Brink
From my apartment in Tel Aviv, I have a view of Hostages Square, a place where families of Israeli captives gather to demand their return. Last night, as I watched the protests against Benjamin Netanyahu, it was clear that the public’s patience was wearing thin. His calls for an immediate ceasefire had become a constant presence, but his recent plan to take over Gaza City and extend the war further only intensified the unrest.
My dog, Pippa, who is half corgi and half Jack Russell, insisted we go outside. The demonstration wasn’t as large as one might expect; instead, it reflected the exhausted energy of a population worn down by years of conflict. Yet, there was a palpable mix of anger and determination. It felt like the beginning of something significant.
Could Netanyahu’s decision to “demilitarise” and occupy the Gaza Strip be the catalyst for a strong and sustained backlash? Could this lead to his eventual removal from power?
The answer may lie in the long history of events that have shaped the current situation. The October 7 Hamas terror attack in 2023 was undoubtedly the worst disaster in Israel’s history. The trauma of learning about more than 200 hostages held in Gaza tunnels left many in shock. Then came Netanyahu’s refusal to take responsibility for the failures under his leadership, which only deepened the sense of betrayal.
His actions since then have compounded the crisis. From dismissing the defense minister to firing the head of the Shin Bet Security Agency, and prolonging the war with various pretexts, Netanyahu has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and frustration. His attempts to expand the war into Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, along with his efforts to force out the attorney general, have only added to the growing discontent.
Despite these challenges, the public did not initially respond with mass demonstrations. However, the current decision to extend the war indefinitely, coupled with the controversial move to exempt thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service, has shifted the tide.
The question now is: Where is the Israeli public? When will all these factors converge to create a critical mass that says, “Enough is enough, this will not pass, not in our name?”
Those who gathered in Tel Aviv last night believe it is now. But the numbers were still relatively low—thousands, not hundreds of thousands. This is not yet enough to trigger a major shift.
A decision to take full military control of Gaza City would likely face strong resistance, especially if it results in the sacrifice of hostages and civilian casualties. Families of those held are opposed, and army reservists are refusing to sign up in disgust. Netanyahu’s latest move has validated the views of many Israelis who believe the war lacked clear objectives, that military actions were not aligned with strategic goals, and that the war was prolonged unnecessarily for political survival.
Understanding the Israeli psyche is crucial to grasping why there hasn’t been a broader public outcry. While many Israelis dislike Netanyahu, protesting during a war is seen as un-Israeli. The culture of patriotism and respect for the military often suppresses dissent.
The evolution of public sentiment has been marked by several stages. Initial shock turned into fury toward Netanyahu, but this never translated into mass protests. Israelis are proud of their military, and during times of war, they tend to support it rather than protest.
However, the movement to release the hostages has grown, fueled by Netanyahu’s disregard for their fate. The October 7 attack left the public devastated, leading to record levels of hostility toward Netanyahu. This was followed by a year of protests against his constitutional coup and attacks on the judiciary.
Polls throughout 2024 and into 2025 showed that a majority believed Netanyahu was responsible for the debacle, wanted him to resign, and supported early elections. As he refused to be held accountable and blamed the military and intelligence agencies, the public grew increasingly frustrated.
Now, the conditions seem ripe for a larger public uproar. The IDF’s opposition to Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza could play a key role in mobilizing the public. If the chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, continues to express his reservations, it could spark a significant reaction.
However, fatigue and resignation remain powerful forces. The next few days will be critical in determining whether the public can unite and demand change.
Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul general to the US and a political adviser to two former prime ministers, provides insight into the complex dynamics at play. The Independent continues to offer global perspectives, emphasizing the importance of internationalism and progress in a time when these values are under threat.