Why not Netanyahu?

The Israeli army (Israeli Defense Force - IDF) announced the names of the bodies found and said that five of them were Israeli citizens. According to the IDF, the bodies of Carmel Gat, Aden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danio and an American Goldberg Pollin were found.

In the attack on October 7, about 1,200 people were killed in Israel. More than 40,700 people have died in Gaza in the attack launched by Israel in retaliation. Among the hostages, 97 people, including one Nepalese, are still under the control of Hamas. It is estimated that at least 27 of them have died.

The Israelis, who have been quiet for about eleven months, are outraged after the discovery of the bodies of six people. Because of this, anti-government demonstrations have intensified in various places in Israel. Tens of thousands of people have started demonstrations in various locations in Israel to press for a cease-fire agreement to free the rest of the hostages.

Israel's largest trade union 'Histadrut' has called for a nationwide strike for Monday. Union leader Arnon Bar-David said "the release of the hostages is more important than anything else". "But ironically, we are getting more body bags than a ceasefire agreement," he said. _{of those who have made a bond with Hamas Pressure for release Day of anti-government demonstrations in Israel. Photo: AP}

Before the 'Histadrut' called for a nationwide movement, a rally against the government was held across the country on Sunday evening. Demonstrators took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities wearing clothes emblazoned with the Israeli flag. Protesters broke the police cordon and blocked the highway in Tel Aviv. There, the police used water cannons to disperse the protestors.

Idan's father Eli Stevie, who was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, also participated in the demonstration, according to the BBC. I feel very sorry for my son. All families have become hostages in a way,' he said.

Opposition parties, Tel Aviv City Mayors and Major Producers Union have also supported the nationwide strike . According to local media, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid also participated in the demonstration. Lapid, the leader of the Yesh Atid party, has expressed his support for the strike to force Netanyahu to release the hostages.

The Missing Families Forum, a group of missing families held hostage by Hamas, has been calling for mass strikes for the past few weeks in order to put pressure on Netanyahu's government for a ceasefire with Hamas.

Demonstrators accuse the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not being serious about agreeing with Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Al Jazeera reported that at least 300,000 people attended the demonstrations on Sunday evening and throughout the day on Monday. _{Hamas made a bond Pressure for release Day of anti-government demonstrations in Israel. Photo: AP}

It is said that some of the protestors surrounded the person wearing the mask of Prime Minister Netanyahu and chanted "We want them alive, alive, alive, alive". On the placards carried by the protestors, targeting Netanyahu, it was written 'You are the leader, it is your fault' . In addition to that, it is said that some protesters shouted slogans against the police.

The court has ordered to stop the general strike. The Israeli Labor Court ordered the demonstration to stop until 2:30 p.m. local time. But the demonstration continued until late in the evening, according to the BBC. They said they will continue protesting until the release of the hostages is guaranteed.

US President Joe Biden also responded that he did not feel that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had tried for a ceasefire. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden said a cease-fire agreement was close and the hostages in Gaza would be released. After the body of American citizen Pauline was found on Saturday evening, President Biden issued a statement and warned that Hamas leaders will pay a heavy price.

With the unprecedented demonstrations seen in Israel on Sunday and Monday, assessments have also been made that the government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu is in trouble. As the protest escalated, he said that he is committed to an agreement that ensures the release of the remaining hostages and the security of the country.

But the protesters have emphasized on its implementation rather than commitment. Israel's sharp right-wing finance minister's reaction to that also shows that they will be more aggressive. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that "those calling for a strike now represent the interests of Hamas".

With the "irresponsible" expression of Netanyahu's office and his cabinet members, the demonstration is expected to intensify in the coming days. In addition to that, US President Biden's reaction also seems to show that Netanyahu is not serious about releasing the hostages. Because of this, the protests in the coming days are sure to shake Prime Minister Netanyahu's chair. _{Hamas made a bond Pressure for release Day of anti-government demonstrations in Israel. Photo: AP}

But some analysts have said that the time has not come to make such an assessment. "It's too early to say that," former ambassador and government adviser Alon Pinkas told Al Jazeera. He also claims that these demonstrations will not last long.

Last November, an agreement was reached between the two sides to stop the war for some time. Along with that, some prisoners were also exchanged. It was believed to pave the way for a ceasefire. After various stages of negotiations, the news that the two sides were close to a ceasefire agreement was also published last May. But it is said that the agreement could not be reached after Netanyahu put new and non-negotiable conditions.

Since then, thousands of people have died in Gaza in attacks by Israel. In recent days, Israel has also attacked the West Bank and Lebanon. In addition, Israel has devised a strategy to release the hostages through military action rather than through negotiations. But the Israelis were strongly dissatisfied with this strategy. After the dead bodies of 6 people were found on Saturday, they were poured on the road as a protest.

"The government and the prime minister are now on the defensive," says Ori Goldberg, an expert on Israeli politics, "this is the current situation." Previously, there was a demonstration against Netanyahu in 2023. Thousands of Israelis took to the streets against his plans to overhaul the country's judicial system. Critics say Netanyahu is trying to reform the justice system as a way to avoid corruption in the past.

Likewise, in April 2024, there was a protest against Netanyahu demanding the release of hostages and a ceasefire. "Netanyahu has no interest in releasing the hostages or reaching a cease-fire agreement, and that's clear," Pincas said. All this happened because of his reluctance.'

According to a survey conducted last July, 72 percent of Israelis said that Netanyahu should resign as prime minister for failing to stop the attacks by Hamas on October 7. Since then, his popularity has been steadily declining. However, Netanyahu is seen ahead of his main rival, Benny Gantz. Netanyahu still retains the support of the sharp right, with his ministers Itamar Ben-Gavir (National Security) and Bezalel Smotrich (Finance) at the forefront.

(with the help of agencies)