The Israeli military has launched "targeted ground activities" in Gaza, resulting in the partial recapture of a strategically significant area. This offensive marks the resumption of hostilities, which has sparked political repercussions and intensified internal divisions within Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to resume military operations has garnered support from Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right minister who had previously resigned in protest against January's ceasefire agreement. Simultaneously, a Knesset committee has approved a controversial bill seeking to alter the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee, further fueling political tensions.
The military's renewed activities in Gaza have not only shifted the dynamics on the ground but have also influenced Israel's domestic political landscape. By resuming the fighting, Netanyahu has managed to regain the backing of Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose departure from the government earlier in the year was prompted by dissatisfaction with the ceasefire deal. The ceasefire had been initially embraced by a significant portion of Netanyahu's Likud party, with 61.5% of its voters supporting its continuation.
Despite the support from his own party, Netanyahu's actions have drawn criticism from various quarters. Many Israelis, over 70%, advocate for negotiations with Hamas to end hostilities and secure the release of hostages in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Critics argue that the renewed conflict demonstrates Netanyahu's disregard for the hostages' plight, who were expected to be released under the ceasefire terms.
In conjunction with the escalating military situation, a contentious legislative development is unfolding. The Knesset committee's approval of a bill to modify the Judicial Selection Committee's composition has sparked heated debate. The proposed change would replace two independent lawyers on the panel with representatives from both the governing coalition and the opposition, a move perceived by critics as politicizing the selection process. This bill is part of a broader judicial overhaul package pursued by Netanyahu's government in 2023.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has voiced concerns over the proposed changes, stating:
"The politicians will appoint them, control them, ensure that they do anything they’re told."
Further compounding Netanyahu's challenges is his ongoing corruption trial, from which he was scheduled to testify on Tuesday. The hearing was postponed due to the renewed military operations in Gaza. Critics like Elias Shraga, chairman for the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, view these developments as politically motivated, arguing that the war is being waged to maintain Netanyahu's grip on power.
"Netanyahu wanted to escape justice. This is the only reason we are facing the regime coup and this bloody war. This is a dangerous mixture," Shraga remarked.
Shraga further accused Netanyahu of sacrificing national interests for personal gain:
"One reason he wanted to escape justice is because he wants to keep his coalition and he is ready to sacrifice his people, this is it. It’s very simple."
The renewed conflict and legislative maneuvers have fueled widespread protests across Israel. Demonstrators are urging the government to heed public sentiment and show support for hostages held in Gaza by wearing yellow ribbons. Yuval Yairi, an artist from Jerusalem, expressed concerns about the implications of these developments on Israel's democratic fabric:
"I’m very concerned about the possibility of a civil war. This nation is divided. It sometimes seems there’s no way out."
Yairi further highlighted the deepening societal rifts:
"People don’t believe in democracy anymore. They don’t believe in the life that we had before everything started. You see the division: religion on one side, secularism on the other. It seems hopeless."
As tensions escalate, Margalit Yachad emphasizes unity:
"I don’t know why there’s so much hate about him or the right. We should respect the leader first and not say horrible things about him, because the enemy sees that we are all broken into parts — and we can’t win like that."
Protesters rally behind banners reading "The future of the coalition or the future of Israel," underscoring their demand for governmental accountability and a resolution to ongoing hostilities.
