Anti-Government Protests in Israel Grow as Fighting in Gaza Continues

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The Facts

  • Anti-government protesters in Israel called for a "week of disruption" on Monday to agitate for new elections and a cease-fire in Gaza in exchange for the release of the hostages. Clashes between protesters and police were reported near the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

  • Demonstrations against Netanyahu's government have occurred almost weekly but have picked up after the withdrawal of Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot from the governing coalition. Netanyahu's coalition still has a comfortable majority in the Knesset.


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks from Gaza or elsewhere, and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. However, the Biden administration is losing its patience with Netanyahu's intransigence. Netanyahu must be willing to work with Israel's allies to find a productive resolution to this conflict.

Pro-Israel narrative

Israel has reached a decisive point in this conflict. If Israel gives in to pressures at home or abroad, it will make clear to Israel's enemies that the country is weak and cannot stand up for itself. Protests against the government only serve to advance the interests of Israel's enemies, and the country needs national unity more than anything during these trying times.

Pro-Palestine narrative

It should be clear after almost eight months of grinding brutality that Israel's true goal is to destroy Gaza and starve its people. Israel is simply not interested in committing to a permanent cease-fire, regardless of who is in power. This war must end, and Israel must finally be held accountable for its crimes.



Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO