Will Mass Protests in Israel Finally Persuade Netanyahu to Agree to a Ceasefire Deal?

Edited by Umar-Mark Victor

Source; AP News

protesters block road, as they clamour for hostages release deal

       The recent deaths of six hostages in Gaza have sparked widespread outrage and grief in Israel, leading to massive protests and a general strike. The protests, which were the largest show of support for a hostage deal since the start of the war, have put immense pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire agreement. But will he finally budge?

The Background of the War

The war in Gaza has been ongoing for nearly 11 months, with tens of thousands killed and whole swaths of the territory decimated. Israel has become increasingly isolated internationally, with even its closest ally, the US, criticizing its actions. The latest deaths of the six hostages have brought the issue to a boiling point, with many Israelis blaming Netanyahu for the mounting number of dead hostages.

The Protests and the Demand for a Ceasefire

Sunday's protests in Tel Aviv were the largest show of support for a hostage deal since the start of the war. Hundreds of thousands of people poured into the streets, banging drums and chanting "Deal, now!" The protests were a clear indication of the growing frustration and anger among Israelis, who feel that Netanyahu is putting his political survival above all else, including the fate of the hostages. Many Israelis are calling for a ceasefire agreement to free the remaining roughly 100 captives, even if that means ending the conflict.

 People mourning the death of hostages in Israel

Netanyahu's Position and the Political Pressure

       Netanyahu has faced fierce pressure to reach a ceasefire agreement before, but he has refused to budge. He blames Hamas for the lack of a deal and insists that the military operation in Gaza is the best way to bring about the hostages' freedom. However, his position is largely driven by his political survival, which relies on support from two ultranationalist parties that oppose any deal that ends the war or sets free Palestinian prisoners convicted of killing Israelis.

The Limits of Public Pressure and the Future of the War

        While the protests have put immense pressure on Netanyahu, they have their limits. The protests failed to break longstanding political boundaries and appeared to be largely made up of the same liberal, secular Israelis who have been critical of Netanyahu's leadership. Without large sustained protests across a broader swath of society, it's hard to see how Netanyahu will feel enough pressure to change his approach. The fate of the hostages and the future of the war in Gaza remain uncertain. While the protests have brought attention to the issue, it's unclear whether they will be enough to persuade Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire deal.

The International Community and the Isolation of Israel

Israel has become increasingly isolated internationally, with even its closest ally, the US, criticizing its actions. The UK has suspended some arms exports to Israel over the risk of breaking international law. The international community is growing increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu's refusal to agree to a ceasefire deal.

The Personal Stake for Netanyahu

     Netanyahu's refusal to agree to a ceasefire deal is also driven by his personal stake in the war. He is currently on trial for corruption charges, and if he is voted out of power, he will lose his platform to rail against the judicial system, which he accuses of being biased. He also wouldn't be able to move ahead with his government's planned changes to the legal system that critics say could affect the trial and help him avoid a conviction.

The Human Cost of the War

The war in Gaza has had a devastating human cost, with tens of thousands killed and whole swaths of the territory decimated. The latest deaths of the six hostages have brought the issue to a boiling point, with many Israelis blaming Netanyahu for the mounting number of dead hostages. The relatives of the hostages found killed in Gaza have expressed hope that the protests marked a turning point in the war that might force progress on a deal.

         The mass protests in Israel have put immense pressure on Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire deal. However, it remains to be seen whether he will finally budge. The fate of the hostages and the future of the war in Gaza remain uncertain. One thing is certain, however: the status quo cannot continue. Something needs to change, and soon.