TEL AVIV: In November 2023, Israel found itself grappling with significant public outrage following the deadly attack by Hamas which occurred on October 7, sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting intense scrutiny of Israel’s political and security leadership, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the center of this controversy.
Thousands of Israeli citizens took to the streets in protest, venting their frustrations at the failures that had allowed the surprise assault to take place. These protesters, waving blue and white Israeli flags, chanted, “Jail now!” as they demanded accountability for the security lapses that led to the attack.
Despite the scale of the attack and the significant loss of life it entailed, Prime Minister Netanyahu had not accepted personal responsibility for the failures. This stance drew further ire from the public, as many demanded that he acknowledge his role and take action to address the situation.
One of the most poignant symbols of the public’s frustration was the families of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. They were critical of the government’s response to the crisis, with their loved ones held in captivity. These families called for their relatives’ safe return, and their anguish resonated with the wider public.
The anger and dissatisfaction were not limited to Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv, thousands took part in demonstrations, where they called for the release of the hostages and held up pictures of their captured loved ones. The atmosphere was charged, with chants of “bring them home now” ringing through the streets.
One protester, Ofri Bibas-Levy, whose family members were among those held hostage, expressed the agony of not knowing the well-being of her loved ones. She highlighted the uncertainty of their conditions and the urgency of the situation, especially for young children like her four-year-old nephew and 10-month-old niece.
The aftermath of the attack saw Israel launch an intense air and ground offensive in Gaza, causing significant casualties and extensive destruction in the Hamas-controlled territory. The conflict’s heavy toll on both sides added to the mounting frustrations within Israel.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, even before the attack, was a polarizing figure in Israeli politics. He faced ongoing corruption charges, which he vehemently denied, and had initiated a controversial plan to limit the powers of the judiciary. These actions had already sparked widespread protests and dissent.
A poll conducted for Israel’s Channel 13 Television underscored the depth of public sentiment. An overwhelming 76% of respondents believed that Prime Minister Netanyahu should resign, reflecting a profound loss of confidence in his leadership. Additionally, 64% felt that the country should hold an election immediately after the war to address the ongoing crisis.
The poll also sought to ascertain blame for the attack. The findings showed that 44% of Israelis held Prime Minister Netanyahu responsible, while 33% attributed blame to the military’s chief of staff and senior IDF officials. Only 5% pinned the blame on the Defence Minister.
