As it has been noted, the Irish’s backing for Palestinian issues can be linked to history and their empathetic response to the subjugation of a nation. Part of this response, in my view, also stems from a jolt received by witnessing the unbelievable positivity exhibited by the Israeli populace towards their government’s fierce military strategies. Surveys suggest that a substantial section of Israelis – 87 per cent Jews and three-quarters of the overall Israeli population – believe the count of Palestinian casualties, exceeding 32,000, is warranted. Half of the Israeli Jewish citizens agree on the exerted force level; however, another 43 per cent would prefer more, with a large majority endorsing a strike on the densely populated Rafah.
Still reeling under the shock of the calamitous attack on October 7th by Hamas which led to 1,200 fatalities and 250 abductions, there is a discernible support for a severe backlash draped as self-defence to annihilate Hamas, regardless of its shock value for Israel’s numerous allies. Accusations of genocide aside, the approach employed, from assaults on citizens and crucial resources, to denying food and medication access, to contributing to the deaths of aid workers, and the forced displacement of communities, unequivocally implies war crimes. As prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has put it, it’s more than just a pardonable “occurrence during war” and Israel’s residents cannot feign unawareness.
Such surveys could however draw an entirely inaccurate image of a uniform, single-minded nation. Contrary to expectations for a country embroiled in a conflict viewed as an existential one, the reality differs considerably, as evidenced by the swathes of people in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv protesting for immediate elections and Netanyahu’s ouster this week. Polls post October 7th have shown a consistent majority favour for early elections, with 30% demanding it “immediately”.
The current level of trust in Netanyahu represents only around 25 to 33% of the population – including just 27% of Jewish individuals, while his far-right coalition partners have consistently been witnessing a shift in support to the centre. The same forces that rallied in large-scale protests and strikes amidst his attempted “judicial coup” last year are now collaborating with governance critics to address the mishandling of the Hamas threat and the mismanagement in diplomatic relations with the US.
Just over a third, 39 per cent, of the total populace have faith that Netanyahu’s pledge of “complete triumph” could significantly succeed. His claim that only through military efforts can hostages be liberated, and his apologetic approach regarding aid workers’ deaths have led hostage relatives to protest. He has also subtly been reproached by the war cabinet minister, Benny Gantz, the head of a major moderate party in the government, who placed himself among those calling for elections.
New York Democrat leader Chuck Schumer, the highest Jewish authority in the United States, equally took a jab at Netanyahu in his speech. This was later supported by US President Joe Biden, causing an unprecedented divide between the leadership in the US and Israel.
There’s mounting internal pressure within a divided cabinet, with far-right representatives pushing for more severe actions against all Palestinians in Gaza. Religious party heads are threatening to destabilize the government over the removal of long-standing exemptions allowing religious students to dodge conscription. Any additional compromise to the latter will instigate a cabinet rebellion from ex-military officials and secular central “moderates.”
Two right-wing members, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, recently created an uproar by suggesting to depopulate Gaza. Smotrich argued that if Gaza’s Arab population were significantly reduced, the narrative for ‘the day after’ would change. He suggested a majority of Gazan citizens should be relocated to other nations.
While the government has refuted this as policy, one publication reported Netanyahu stating to a Likud faction that he is seeking countries where inhabitants of Gaza can be relocated.
Settler representatives voiced concerns that the prime minister is undermining their plan to further populate the West Bank and Gaza with settlements, forcing him to dismiss international suggestions for the Palestinian Authority’s role in the aftermath of Gazan warfare and all discussions around a two-state resolution.
The looming corruption trial that Netanyahu is heavily preoccupied with, drives him to take any course of action, and even dishonestly endorse any policy, to maintain his challenging coalition intact. Should that involve hindering the progression of an emerging international consensus around the peace process, he will oblige. The Israeli Prime Minister is broadly recognised as a major hindrance to achieving peace. Growing calls from Israelis arguing that he must step down urgently cannot be ignored.
Dahlia Scheindlin, a polling expert, writes that the country’s mood is contradictory, veering between militancy, combativeness, trauma, and mistrust. Yet, if alternative leaders could map out a new, hopeful path towards a better future, the citizens stand ready to listen and anticipate. Speaking positively, there’s a glimmer of hope, albeit with no part for Netanyahu to play.