Following the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, billboards promoting national unity and a common wartime slogan have appeared along a major Israeli highway.
However, in recent times, the billboards have been swapped out for a completely contrasting message: a demand for prompt elections.
The Israeli public's sentiment is undergoing a transformation following over 100 days of conflict in Gaza. The cause of this shift is a division over the controversial leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israelis were shocked by the ruthless Hamas attack and, despite their divisions, united in support of the war effort. Now, previously dormant divisions that have the potential to significantly impact the outcome of the war are resurfacing.
With the increasing number of Israeli soldiers losing their lives and a significant number of hostages remaining in Gaza, there is a growing chorus of Israelis expressing their discontent with Netanyahu and his government. There is a growing divide among the public regarding the military's ability to accomplish both Netanyahu's objectives of eliminating Hamas and rescuing all the hostages.
Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving leader, continues to lead a coalition that remains in power despite facing criticism. However, critics argue that he does not have a well-defined plan for resolving the situation in Gaza. There are concerns that his decision-making may be influenced by political and personal factors.
Critics of the prime minister argue that he is heavily influenced by his supporters in Parliament who hold ultranationalist views. Some of these supporters have advocated for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza or for Israel to relocate to the region. They argue that the corruption charges against him serve as proof of his motivation to prolong the war for his own benefit.
Netanyahu assures the public that he is committed to prioritizing the nation's well-being. He promises to address challenging inquiries regarding the events of Oct. 7, which resulted in a significant loss of life and the taking of hostages, once the conflict has concluded.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has tragically claimed the lives of over 25,000 individuals, with a significant number being women and children. The devastating consequences of this war are evident in the widespread destruction, displacement, and the dire shortage of essential resources such as food, water, and medicines.
An international trial at the UN world court has been prompted by widespread criticism, focusing on allegations of Israel committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel vehemently denies these charges.
Calls for Netanyahu to Resign
Netanyahu, who has managed to avoid taking responsibility for Israel's military and intelligence failures on Oct. 7, reiterated on Tuesday his determination to keep fighting "until absolute victory," despite the loss of 24 soldiers the day before, marking the deadliest day since the war started.
According to him, the successful release of the first hostage in late November was a result of intense military pressure and will be crucial in securing the release of another.
Unfortunately, there have been casualties among the hostages, with three individuals tragically losing their lives due to a mistaken shooting incident involving Israeli troops. Families of hostages in Gaza are expressing their growing concern as they emphasize the urgent need for another cease-fire deal.
According to military experts, Israel has achieved significant progress in Gaza. However, for a public still recovering from the recent attack by Hamas, understanding these gains may be challenging.
The public's attention is drawn to the increasing number of soldier casualties, the ongoing rocket launches into Israel (although at a reduced rate compared to the beginning of the war), and the remaining hostages in Gaza, as per ABC News.
Israel's former prime minister, Ehud Barak, has urged for an urgent election to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza, amid growing concerns that time is running out for Benjamin Netanyahu.
If Netanyahu continues to hold onto power, Israel could face long-term challenges in Gaza, according to Barak, a highly decorated soldier and former government official.
In a scathing interview, Barak, 81, strongly urged Netanyahu to step down, intensifying the pressure for him to announce an election.According to him, Israel is facing a pressing deadline to disengage from a conflict that has already extended beyond 100 days.
Barak suggests that Netanyahu is engaged in a violent and vengeful conflict without a clear strategic objective. It is believed by many that the 74-year-old prime minister should have stepped down following the military and intelligence failures that led to the October 7 attacks.
