The situation in Israel has indeed reached a critical point, with the Israeli military facing significant challenges on multiple fronts. Apart from the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Israel is also engaged in confrontations with other militant groups reportedly financed by Iran. These engagements extend beyond the west to the northern and southern borders, with conflicts involving Yemen and Iraq further straining Israeli defenses. The country also witnessed the massive protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Faces Opposition: Main Points
- The massive protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem happened on Sunday.
- This mass demonstration was conducted against the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.
- This demonstration outside the Israeli Parliament is said to be the biggest demonstration since the start of the Israel-Gaza war.
- The protesters have demanded the immediate release of the Israelis held hostage by Hamas.
- However, in his sixth term, Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving leader. He is also the country’s first sitting premier to be indicted for corruption.
- They have also demanded immediate elections in the country and the resignation of Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister.
- Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera of harming Israeli security, participating in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and inciting violence against Israel.
- One must value other’s lives as they consider theirs.
Beginning of Israel and Hamas war (2023-Present)
This culminated in the 2023 Israel and Hamas war, when Hamas-led militant groups launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds of Israeli civilians and taking hostages.
Israel also Dropped Bombs on Gaza to take Revenge
On October 7, 2023, Palestinian militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people (mostly civilians). Israel responded by bombing the Gaza Strip and launching an invasion that has killed more than 29,000 (and more) Gazans as of February 2024.
Gigantic Demonstration Against Netanyahu Government
Moreover, the pressure isn’t solely external. Domestically, there’s growing discontent among the populace, evident in the tens of thousands of citizens taking to the streets to protest against their government marking the largest anti-government demonstration since the onset of the conflict with Hamas in October last year. Thousands protested in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem over the weekend, posing a major challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.
■ Also Read: Gaza Israel Conflict: Is this the Starting of World War III?
Police considered this protest as an anti-government protest and deployed skunk water and water cannons to clear demonstrators from the city’s major highways. Numerous scuffles broke out between anti-government protesters and security forces, resulting in multiple arrests as authorities sought to disperse the crowds. Some demonstrators were forcibly removed from the streets.
Opposition Criticized the Government
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized the government’s lack of sensitivity amid the protests. Meanwhile, relatives of the hostages blocked streets, symbolizing their loved ones’ captivity with cages.
Demands of Protesters Amidst Failed Promises
Despite Prime Minister Netanyahu’s vow to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages, achieving these goals has proven elusive. Now, the primary demand of protesters revolves around securing an immediate ceasefire at any cost, alongside the release of approximately 138 hostages believed to be in Gaza, though their status remains uncertain. Consequently, there’s mounting pressure for the incumbent Prime Minister to resign.
Failed Negotiations following the Government’s Resignation
The collapse of truce talks sent shockwaves through the streets of Tel Aviv, where demonstrators united in a chorus of calls for the government’s resignation following the failed negotiations. The impasse stems from Hamas’s insistence that Israel first release 700-1000 Palestinian prisoners, a proposition swiftly dismissed by Israeli officials as unrealistic and unfeasible.
Ongoing Conflict and Netayahu’s Hernia Surgery
During the ongoing conflict and hard times, Prime Minister Netanyahu faced additional challenges as he underwent hernia surgery, which ultimately remained successful.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, despite calls for a ceasefire from within his own country, remains resolute in his approach toward Hamas, a designated terrorist group. He intends to push forward towards Rafah, indicating a determined stance against Hamas amidst internal and international pressure for de-escalation.
Government to Shut Down Foreign News Networks
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the Knesset to pass the legislation allowing his government to shut down foreign news networks, according to The Times of Israel.
Netanyahu has promised to “immediately act to close Al Jazeera” after passing the law.
“Al Jazeera will no longer be broadcast from Israel,” Netanyahu wrote in a post on X after the law was approved in its final readings on Monday. “I intend to act immediately following the new law to stop the channel’s activity.”
Spiritual Power can Abort any War
War has never benefited anyone nor can it. If you have read the history of wars, then you must be well aware of the Mahabharata and the war between Ram and Ravan and others. And if we talk about the ongoing war conflicts among the countries, hatred and intolerance, then neither India nor Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Afghanistan, Taliban, America, Pakistan etc. are spared from it. When the war of Mahabharata was over, Yudhishthir had stopped sleeping even though he had become the king of Hastinapur and the clan of Kauravas was finished. King Yudhishthir was witnessing half-cut bodies, widowed women, orphans and crying children in his dreams and heard their screams. War never brings development to anyone, it leads to destruction.
When there was a war between Ram and Ravan, Ravan’s entire clan including his one lakh sons and 1.25 lakh relatives who were called warriors were all killed. Today there is no one in his family to even light a lamp.
Kabir ji says ;
Ek lakh put, sava lakh naati ||
Uss Ravan ke diya na baati ||
As you know, whenever there is a war, one is declared victorious and the other is declared defeated. Therefore, in the history till date, wars have always been a sign of annihilation.
More courage should be shown in sharing food and letting people eat rather than fighting
Teer tupak so jo ladein, so to Sura naahi ||
Sura soi saraahiye, baanti baanti dhan khaahi ||
Kabir Ji says those who fight with weapons cannot be called brave. True warriors are those who sit together and eat.
One must value other’s lives as they consider theirs. All governments and people are requested to support their people and must care about their well-being. Read the book Way’ of Living and watch Discourses of Great Saint & A Messenger of Supreme God Kabir Sahib ji, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj ji on the Satlok Ashram YouTube channel
Frequently Asked Questions
[binjaˈmin netanˈjahu]; born 21 October 1949) is an Israeli politician who has been serving as the Prime Minister of Israel since 2022 (third time).
Benjamin Netanyahu.
Benjamin Netanyahu is a member of the Likud party. In 1993 he easily won the election as the leader of Likud, succeeding Yitzḥak Shamir.
First term as prime minister (1996–99)
Second stint as prime minister (2009–21)
The Prime Minister is the most powerful political figure in the country.
The official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic which shows the diverse background of the country’s population. Hebrew is the main language of the Jewish population and is also the official language of the state, while Arabic is primarily spoken by the Arab population.
