The forum criticized Netanyahu’s cabinet for “abandoning” the surviving hostages last Thursday, after the cabinet supported his insistence on maintaining Israeli control over the Philadelphi corridor. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was the sole cabinet member to oppose this stance and has called for a reversal of the decision.
On Sunday night, approximately 100,000 protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, briefly blocking the city’s main north-south motorway. Monday saw sporadic protests obstructing major road junctions nationwide, with another large demonstration planned for the evening.
Despite the widespread protests, many demonstrators acknowledged their current inability to challenge Netanyahu’s authority or compel a policy shift. Debbie Mason, a social worker from the Eshkol region, noted that the impact of the protests seemed limited and questioned whether a resolution was in the interest of any party involved.
In “Hostages Square,” where families of hostages and supporters meet daily, Rayah Karmin, a vitamin supplement salesperson from Mabu’im, suggested that only prolonged strikes could pressure the government. She emphasized that any potential ceasefire might lead to a far-right walkout, jeopardizing Netanyahu’s coalition and his immunity from corruption charges. Karmin believes Netanyahu’s primary goal is to retain his position for as long as possible.