Tens of thousands of Israelis protested in Jerusalem against their government over the weekend and into Monday. The protestors staunchly demand Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, primarily citing their grievances over his role in handling the crisis of over 100 hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack last year.
Netanyahu’s leadership during the war, which stretched for almost half a year, has garnered criticism. The extended conflict, representing the longest in the nation’s history, has raised grave concerns over the gradual depletion of army reserves and the increasing number of military casualties.
Adding to the complexity of issues is a recent draft bill that has instigated concerns over exemptions provided to Orthodox Jews from army conscription. The influential ultra-orthodox group, the Haredim, commonly benefit from these exemptions, which are viewed as unnecessary and a burden on those who are mandatory conscripts. While the exemption was recently lifted, it is unlikely that the new regulation will be immediately implemented.
Prior to the October 7 attacks, Netanyahu was grappling with serious corruption charges, matters he sought to postpone amidst the conflict with Hamas. While this struggle continues, calls for truce are being made on all sides, as the civilian death toll rises precipitously in Palestine, leading to a severe famine in Gaza.