Israeli Protests Against Netanyahu’s Leadership
Key Points:
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Protests & Public Discontent:
- Tens of thousands protested after Netanyahu resumed military action in Gaza, despite 59 Israeli prisoners still being held, angering families.
- Protesters accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political survival rather than for national security.
- Opposition figures like Yair Lapid are calling for mass demonstrations, echoing the 2023 anti-judicial overhaul protests.
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Political Turmoil & Shin Bet Dismissal:
- Netanyahu fired Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet domestic intelligence, allegedly due to political reasons and corruption investigations.
- Critics, including Benny Gantz, see this as a threat to state security and an attempt to dismantle political unity.
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Netanyahu’s Political Struggles:
- Opinion polls indicate Netanyahu would lose if elections were held, due to public frustration over the Oct 7 Hamas attack and the government’s handling of the conflict.
- Far-right leader Itamar Ben Gvir rejoined the government, strengthening Netanyahu’s nationalist-religious support base.
Netanyahu faces growing domestic unrest, with accusations of prioritizing political survival over national security. His dismissal of security officials and public frustration over the war could weaken his government, making future elections uncertain.
