Will Israel’s Resistance Week Bring Change?

Israeli activists and political groups rally for early elections and a pact to free captives.

Several antigovernment groups in Israel have initiated a week of resistance against the current administration.

The protesters demand an agreement to free captives taken by Hamas-led groups that attacked Israel on October 7.

Besides, they are frustrated with the current government's performance and are pushing for early elections to replace it.

Here's a summary of their activities and goals:

Planned Actions

Antigovernment demonstrators outside the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv on June 15, 2024, call for early elections, the return of captives held in Gaza and an end to the assault on it [Jack Guez/AFP]

The first protest occurred in Tel Aviv on Sunday, drawing thousands of Israelis to the streets.

Protesters blocked roads and surrounded the Defense Ministry and Democracy Square, a key intersection in Tel Aviv, as well as Hostages Square, a plaza known for numerous protests aimed at calling for the return of captives.

Israeli television displayed demonstrators igniting fires on highways and advancing towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence before being halted by police.

Participants

Andrey Kozlov, in a white shirt, and Almog Meir Jan, second from right, arrive by helicopter at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, on June 8, 2024, after being extracted from Gaza [Tomer Appelbaum/AP]

A range of antigovernment groups, including Brothers in Arms, Building an Alternative, an anti-Netanyahu collective, and the Pink Front, organized Sunday’s protests in Tel Aviv, as reported by Israeli channel N12 News.

Retired general and former cabinet member Benny Gantz also joined the protesters.

Former captive Andrey Kozlov spoke at Hostage Square, emphasizing the need for a deal between Israel and Hamas for the hostages still in Gaza.

At Democracy Square, Ayala Metzger, the daughter-in-law of Yoram Metzger who died while in captivity in Gaza, urged demonstrators to block highways, streets, and protest outside government officials' residences.

Prospects of Success

Netanyahu appears disinclined to hold elections any time soon.

Following the resignation of Gantz and another member of his National Unity Party from the war cabinet, Netanyahu dissolved the war cabinet. He continues to rely on the support of far-right and ultra-Orthodox members of his coalition to maintain power.

There is a growing belief among Israelis and international allies, particularly those in Washington, DC, that Netanyahu's tactics may be driven by a desire to avoid corruption trials. Netanyahu was charged in 2019, and his trial has slowed due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

According to Eyal Lurie-Pardes from the Middle East Institute, even if elections are called, they might not occur until at least March if Netanyahu can sustain his coalition through the summer recess.

US President Joe Biden recently expressed concerns that Netanyahu might be prolonging the war for political gains.

Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari mentioned in a news conference on Saturday that the army would not likely repeat the June 8 assault on Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, which resulted in 276 Palestinian deaths and more than 698 injuries while attempting to free four captives, including Kozlov.

Public Opinion on the War

The public opinion on the Gaza war among Israelis remains mixed.

Although the anti-war movement is significant, so is the support for the war.

Concerns about the fate of the captives and doubts about achieving the war's objectives are weakening support for the conflict.

Shai Parnes, a spokesperson for the Israeli rights group B’Tselem, noted that the public is more troubled by the personal costs of the war on young Israelis doing national service and the disruptions to daily life, rather than the conflict’s heavy toll on Gaza’s population.