As Israel's war in Gaza enters a new, violent phase, a growing number of voices within the country are speaking out against it - and how it's being fought. Yair Golan, a left-wing politician and former deputy commander of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), sparked outrage on Monday when he said: "Israel is on the way to becoming a pariah state, like South Africa was, if we don't return to acting like a sane country. "A sane state does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not set itself the goal of depopulating the population," he told Israeli public radio's popular morning news programme. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back, describing the comments as "blood libel". But on Wednesday, a former Israeli minister of defence and IDF chief of staff - Moshe "Bogi" Ya'alon - went further. "This is not a 'hobby'," he wrote in a post on X, "but a government policy, whose ultimate goal is to hold on to power. And it is leading us to destruction." Just 19 months ago, when Hamas gunmen crossed the fence into Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, taking 251 others back to Gaza as hostages - statements like these seemed almost unthinkable. But now Gaza is in ruins, Israel has launched a new military offensive, and, though it has also agreed to lift its 11-week blockade on the territory, justa trickle of aid has so far entered. Recent polling by Israel's Channel 12 found that 61% of Israelis want to end the war and see the hostages returned. Just 25% support expanding the fighting and occupying Gaza, as Netanyahu has promised. The Israeli government insists it will destroy Hamas and rescue the remaining hostages. Netanyahu says he can achieve "total victory" - and he maintains a strong core of supporters. But the mood among others in Israeli society "is one of despair, trauma, and a lack of a sense of ability to change anything", says former Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin. "The overwhelming majority of all the hostage families think that the war has to end, and there has to be an agreement," he adds. "A small minority think that the primary goal of finishing off Hamas is what has to be done, and then the hostages will be freed". On Sunday, around 500 protesters, many wearing T-shirts with the inscription "Stop the horrors in Gaza" and carrying pictures of babies killed by Israeli air strikes, attempted to march from the town of Sderot to the Gaza border, in protest at Israel's new offensive. They were led by Standing Together - a small but growing anti-war group of Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel. After attempting to block a road, the leader of the group Alon-Lee Green was arrested, along with eight others. From house arrest, Mr Green told the BBC: "I think it's obvious that you can see an awakening within the Israeli public. You can see that more and more people are taking a position." Another Standing Together activist, Uri Weltmann, said he thinks there's a growing belief that continuing the war is "not only harmful to the Palestinian civilian population, but also risks the lives of hostages, risks the lives of soldiers, risks the lives of all of us". In April, thousands of Israeli reservists - from all branches of the military - signed letters demanding that Netanyahu's government stop the fighting and concentrate instead on reaching a deal to bring back the remaining hostages. Yet, many in Israel hold differing views. At the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza on Wednesday, the BBC spoke to Gideon Hashavit, who was part of a group protesting against aid being allowed in. "They're not innocent people," he said of those in Gaza, "they make their choice, they chose a terrorist organisation." It is against some of Israel's most extreme parts of society - settler groups - thatthe UK on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions. In its strongest move yet, the UK also suspended talks on a trade deal with Israel and summoned the country's ambassador - with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy calling themilitary escalation in Gaza "morally unjustifiable". The EU said it is reviewing its association agreement with Israel, which governs its political and economic relationship - with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas saying a "strong majority" of members favoured looking again at the 25-year-old agreement. On Monday night, the UK joined France and Canada in signing a strongly worded joint statement, condemning Israel's military action and warning of "further concrete actions" if the humanitarian situation in Gaza did not improve. "The mood is changing," says Weltmann, "the wind is starting to blow in the other direction."
'The mood is changing': Israeli anger grows at conduct of war
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Growing Dissent in Israel Over Conduct of Gaza War and Its Consequences"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, dissent within Israel is rising regarding the conduct of the war and its implications for the nation’s future. Prominent figures, including Yair Golan, a left-wing politician and former IDF deputy commander, have voiced strong criticisms of the current military strategy, warning that Israel risks becoming a 'pariah state' akin to South Africa during apartheid. Golan's remarks, which condemned the war's toll on civilians, were met with backlash from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who denounced the comments as 'blood libel.' This backlash highlights the growing divide in Israeli society, with other influential voices like former defense minister Moshe Ya'alon also expressing concern that the government's approach is not merely a tactical choice but a destructive policy aimed at preserving power. Recent polls indicate a significant shift in public sentiment, revealing that a majority of Israelis now favor ending the war and prioritizing the return of hostages over further military escalation, which Netanyahu continues to advocate for.
Protests against the war are gaining momentum, with groups such as Standing Together leading demonstrations that call for an end to violence in Gaza. Activists have highlighted the humanitarian crisis and the risks posed to both hostages and Israeli soldiers due to the ongoing conflict. Despite the protests, opinions remain polarized within the country. Some Israelis defend the military actions, arguing that the residents of Gaza chose to support a terrorist organization, while others, including thousands of reservists, have urged the government to seek negotiations instead of continuing the offensive. On the international front, the UK and EU are reevaluating their relations with Israel, with the UK condemning the military escalation as 'morally unjustifiable.' As discussions about the humanitarian situation in Gaza escalate, activists believe a shift in the Israeli public's mood is evident, suggesting an awakening awareness of the broader consequences of the conflict on both sides of the border.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the changing sentiment within Israeli society regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. It highlights the growing dissent among notable political figures and the general public about the conduct of the war, particularly the humanitarian impact. This shift in mood reflects a broader concern about the implications of the conflict and Israel's international standing.
Public Dissent and Political Discourse
The remarks made by Yair Golan and Moshe Ya'alon indicate a significant fracture in the Israeli political landscape. Golan's warning about Israel potentially becoming a "pariah state" resonates with fears of international isolation similar to that faced by South Africa during apartheid. Ya'alon’s assertion that the military actions are part of a destructive government policy adds to the urgency of the discourse. These statements illustrate a growing frustration with the current government’s approach and suggest that even within the political establishment, there is recognition of the moral and strategic implications of the war.
Public Opinion Trends
Recent polling data indicates a notable shift in public sentiment, with a majority of Israelis expressing a desire to end the war and prioritize the return of hostages. This stands in stark contrast to the government's hardline stance on expanding the conflict. The sentiment of despair and trauma articulated by former hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin further underscores the psychological toll the war has taken on the population, suggesting a collective yearning for peace over continued violence.
Comparative Media Context
When analyzed alongside other news reports on the Israel-Palestine conflict, this article emphasizes a distinct narrative of internal dissent rather than solely focusing on the actions of Hamas or the Israeli military. This shift can signal a potential change in how media outlets portray the conflict and may reflect a broader trend of seeking accountability from within Israeli society itself.
Potential Impacts on Society and Governance
The growing opposition to the war could lead to significant political repercussions, potentially challenging Netanyahu’s administration. If public sentiment continues to trend toward peace, it could embolden opposition parties and shift the political dynamics in Israel. Economically, prolonged conflict often leads to instability, which can affect investor confidence and market performance, particularly in sectors directly impacted by defense and security.
Global Implications
This article highlights the international dimension of the conflict, particularly concerning Israel’s global reputation. The mention of "pariah state" evokes concerns about diplomatic relations and foreign aid, which could have far-reaching implications for Israel's geopolitical standing. The discourse within the article reflects broader global conversations about human rights and military conduct, especially in the context of increasing scrutiny from various international actors.
Trustworthiness of the Information
The article appears to present a balanced view of the shifting opinions within Israel while also highlighting key figures who are critical of both the war and the government’s strategies. The direct quotes from politicians lend credibility, but the framing of dissent could also be seen as selective, emphasizing perspectives that align with a narrative of internal conflict rather than focusing solely on the military aspects of the war.
In conclusion, this article serves to illustrate a pivotal moment in Israeli society, capturing a shift towards questioning the moral implications of the war and the government's approach. The outcome of this internal dissent could significantly impact Israel's future trajectory, both domestically and internationally.