The Global Unease Towards Israel's Gaza Conflict – Unrest Confounds Many Israelis
Yoav Peled wonders if the world has lost its sanity as anger against Netanyahu grows and people struggle to find a delicate balance in criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza
Yoav Peled is questioning if the world has gone crazy.
Peled questioned whether the solidarity, particularly if it still extended beyond Israel's borders, while sitting outside the Kirya, Israel's counterpart to the Pentagon in Tel Aviv last Thursday. He was cutting yellow ribbon from a large wheel and distributing them to passersby, as the ribbons symbolize support for the approximately 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
"I used to identify myself as an extreme liberal, or whatever they call themselves. However, when I witness demonstrations advocating for Hamas and similar occurrences, I question whether the world truly comprehends the intricacies of the situation...and when they fail to understand these complexities, they perceive it as a one-sided matter and oversimplify their sense of justice. But it is far from simple," he expressed to CNN. "I believe that governments grasp this reality, but as for the people...I am uncertain." As international leaders continue to exert pressure on Israel regarding the rising number of civilian casualties resulting from its bombardment of Gaza, and as large crowds gather to show solidarity with the Palestinians in cities such as London, Washington DC, Berlin, Paris, Amman, and Cairo - with most demonstrations supporting the civilians in Gaza rather than Hamas - many Israelis are becoming increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as unequal treatment.
Its a feeling that cuts across the deep divisions within Israeli society: the world does not understand us.
Thousands of supporters, including the families of abducted hostages, gathered outside HaKirya in Tel Aviv, Israel on November 4, 2023, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate action and ensure the safe release of the Israeli hostages.
"It pains me to admit it, but the world embraces us when we are seen as victims. They have a fondness for Israel and show sympathy towards the Jewish community when we suffer losses. However, when we take measures to defend ourselves, the support seems to fade away," expressed Sigal Itzahak during an interview with CNN.
Sigal Itzahak, a dedicated teacher at a religious academy for girls, accompanied some of her students to the small square outside the Kirya. It was here that Peled distributed ribbons, drawing crowds of mourners, well-wishers, and sympathizers of the victims and their families after the tragic terror attacks on October 7.
On the walls of the government complex, a continuous line of missing people posters and photos of the victims can be seen. These pictures display the smiling faces of men, women, children, babies, soldiers, and occasionally whole families. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the attacks resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,400 lives. Additionally, it is estimated that around 240 individuals have been kidnapped and are currently being held captive by Hamas and other groups in Gaza. Thankfully, the IDF has successfully rescued one soldier, and four women (two Americans and two Israelis) have been released from captivity.
Anger against Netanyahu
"I believe that any nation facing similar circumstances would likely take significantly greater measures, and there wouldn't be any objections. However, it seems that when it concerns the Jewish people, the situation is different. There appears to be a belief that the Jewish community does not have the right to live peacefully in their own country. That is what we desire, and unfortunately, this sentiment is not understood by many."
There is a great amount of affection present beyond the premises of the Kirya complex. Many individuals gather here to engage in prayers, embrace one another, and enjoy each other's company. Itzahak arrived with a group of students who brought along numerous loaves of freshly baked bread, which holds immense significance and symbolism in Judaism.
Former President Barack Obama addressed attendees at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in Chicago, Illinois, on November 3, 2023. Speaking about the significance of economic inclusion, he emphasized its role in safeguarding and expanding democracies globally. The event was captured by Scott Olson/Getty Images.
Obama emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexity of the Israel-Palestinian conflict in order to make progress. However, there is a significant amount of anger and frustration, primarily directed towards Israel's besieged Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Benny Zweig, a former professor of sociology and political science, has been consistently protesting against Netanyahu in the square since the beginning of the war. He attends two shifts per day, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., while proudly displaying a sign illustrating Netanyahu and his government officials behind bars.
Zweig, like many in Israel, holds Netanyahu partially responsible for the brutal Hamas attack on October 7. He believes that instead of addressing the issue earlier, Netanyahu made the decision to permit Qatari funds to be transferred to Hamas-controlled Gaza in 2018.
According to Zweig, funding alone cannot alter the agenda of a terrorist organization. Consequently, he believes that the cost of dealing with Hamas will now be significantly greater.
Benny Zweig says he has been protesting against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for years.
Ruby Chen has not received any news about his son, Itay, since the attack occurred a month ago. Itay, who is the second of her three sons, used to be a Boy Scout and a skilled basketball player. He was abducted on October 7.
Chen, like numerous other families with loved ones held in Gaza, urges the Israeli government to take all necessary measures to bring the hostages back home. He emphasized that it should be the primary, secondary, and tertiary objective of the war. Chen shared his perspective with CNN, stating, "Bringing the hostages back must be the utmost priority." Over the weekend, Chen joined a large gathering of other hostage families outside the Kirya, demanding more decisive actions from the government.
Camped in the plaza, they made a solemn pledge to remain until their children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and other beloved individuals were set free. Despite organizers' insistence that it was not an "anti-government protest," their evident exasperation spoke volumes.
In the early days after the Hamas terror attack, many of the hostages families were reluctant to criticize the government of Netanyahu. That has now changed.
An elderly Palestinian woman who has been displaced stands at the entrance of her tent, accompanied by her grandchildren, within the tents located in the Japanese neighborhood of Khan Yunis city on October 29, 2023. (Photo taken by Loay Ayyoub, courtesy of The Washington Post/Getty Images)
In Gaza, being a mother carries life or death implications. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum recently released a vehemently worded statement expressing their frustration with the government's lack of communication regarding the Gaza operation.
Netanyahu engaged in a tense meeting with several families, resulting in additional heated exchanges. One of the demands made by the families was for the government to seriously consider a proposal put forward by Hamas, referred to as the "everyone for every one deal." This deal suggests a prisoner exchange, where the hostages would be released in exchange for the release of Palestinians currently detained in Israeli prisons. According to the Palestinian Prisoners Society, approximately 6,630 individuals are currently held in Israeli prisons.
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The potential controversy arises from the fact that a significant number of the prisoners either have convictions or are being held based on charges or suspicions linked to acts of terrorism. The IDF rejected the Hamas offer, dismissing it as a tactic of "psychological terror intended to manipulate Israeli civilians."
In October 2011, Israel agreed to swap Gilad Shalit, an IDF soldier who had been kidnapped by Hamas in 2006, for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Among the released prisoners was Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza and one of the key figures behind the October 7 attacks, as identified by the IDF.
Chen emphasized that he strongly believes the government should exert maximum efforts to secure the release of the hostages. "I lack the understanding of the underlying dynamics. Ultimately, we judge based on the final outcomes... I am still uncertain about the fate of my child, not knowing whether they are alive or not. That is the ultimate concern," he added.
The families have emphasized that the release of all hostages must transpire before any ceasefire can be considered.
Additionally, the entire nation stands in solidarity with these families. The frustration regarding the government's handling of the crisis is increasing, even among individuals who were previously aligned with Netanyahu and his administration.
Israeli security forces on the streets of Jerusalem on November 3, 2023.
Pavel Nemecek/AP
The reaction is extreme: Palestinians fear arrest if they voice sympathy for Gaza civilians
Itzahak said he initially voted for someone else, but acknowledges the positive impact that the current prime minister has had on Israel. However, due to his long tenure and the need for a change in leadership, Itzahak believes that Netanyahu should step down. This sentiment is echoed by a majority of Israelis, as shown in recent polling conducted by Tel Aviv University for Israeli media, indicating a collapse in support for Netanyahu and his government.
While government approval ratings plummet, the decision to initiate a war against Hamas enjoys strong support from the majority of Jewish Israelis, despite facing significant international criticism. Conversely, most of Israel's Arab and Palestinian citizens, along with a minority of Jews, disapprove of the war. However, due to a widespread suppression of freedom of speech, expressing dissent against the war entails significant risks.
Many Palestinian residents and Israeli citizens have been apprehended by Israeli authorities for expressing support for Gaza and its civilian population. The Israel Police have reported that 110 individuals have been detained since the beginning of the conflict, with the majority of arrests being related to incitement of violence and terrorism on social media. Out of these arrests, 17 have resulted in formal charges. Demonstrations against the war have been prohibited, making public displays of solidarity with Gaza and criticism of Israel's military actions rare. Additionally, over 100 people have been arrested for posting messages of support for Gaza on social media.
Very fine line in criticizing Israel
Yonatan Rapaport, sharing his experience, mentioned that he has attended a total of four funerals in the last four weeks. Additionally, within the past year, he has endured the sorrow of attending two more funerals due to the loss of two friends in terror attacks. Speaking to CNN, Rapaport shared these details while standing at Zion Square in the city center of Jerusalem on Thursday.
A musician who had just completed his mandatory military service with the Israeli Navy, which involved patrolling around the Gaza Strip, expressed his growing frustration with the global response to the situation in Gaza.
Yonatan Rapaport, center, plays guitar at a gathering of young Israelis in Jerusalem on Thursday, November 2.
Ivana Kottasova/CNN
When asked why Gaza is being taken, I am perplexed by the question. Don't we have the right to protect our civilians and soldiers? What exactly qualifies as a proportionate response? Our aim is to avoid harming innocent civilians," he stated.
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians may not be straightforward, but this war with Hamas definitely is," he added. "There are valid criticisms towards the Israeli government and Israel itself, but there is a dangerous line being crossed in many of these discussions where criticism of Israel turns into hatred towards Jews. It is acceptable to criticize Israel for its occupation of the West Bank or Gaza, but it is not justifiable to claim that it allows for the killing of 1,400 civilians."
Rapaport stated that he had previously expressed disapproval of Netanyahu's government and its intention to revamp the judicial system - a highly divisive issue in the nation. However, given the ongoing war, he believed that the entire government should be replaced afterward, acknowledging his lack of personal trust in Netanyahu yet recognizing the need to rely on him as a leader for the time being.
Later that evening, Rapaport joined a gathering of musicians and predominantly youthful individuals at Zion Square. They were strumming guitars and crooning timeless Israeli favorites.
The melodies spanned a spectrum of emotions, ranging from somber to optimistic. Notably, "Lu Yehi," a poignant tune influenced by the Beatles' "Let It Be," was performed. Penned by Naomi Shemer in 1973 amidst the initial days of the Yom Kippur War, this ballad has evolved into a symbol of that conflict and a beacon of hope for Israel's triumph.
On Thursday night, the songs words rang out in Zion Square, almost exactly 50 years since its debut and with Israel once more at war.
