Israelis Demand Netanyahu’s Residency and Accountability Amid Mounting Discontent

The Israeli public’s dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached a fever pitch, with a staggering 87 percent of Israelis believing he should take responsibility for the events of October 7, and 73 percent wanting him to resign either immediately or after the Gaza war. These numbers, while shocking to outsiders, reflect a long-standing sentiment that has only intensified since the outbreak of the conflict. Netanyahu’s leadership has been widely criticized for overseeing what is considered the worst security failure in Israel’s history, exacerbated by his governance style, which has consistently disregarded the will of the majority.

A Leader Out of Touch with the People

Netanyahu’s political strategy has been marked by a disconnect from the majority of Israelis. Despite winning only 48.4 percent of the vote in the 2022 elections, he opted to form a coalition with extreme right-wing and ultra-Orthodox groups rather than seeking to unite the deeply divided population. This alliance has allowed these minority groups to exert significant influence, often at the expense of broader public opinion. As a result, Netanyahu’s policies have largely catered to the interests of a vocal minority, leaving the majority feeling ignored and disenfranchised.

Policies Contrary to Public Opinion

One of the most contentious issues is the ceasefire deal in Gaza, which hangs in the balance. While approximately 70 percent of Israelis support continuing the arrangement until all hostages are freed, even if it means releasing convicted terrorists, Netanyahu’s coalition is dominated by radicals who advocate for restarting the war and ethnically cleansing Gaza to make way for Jewish communities. This stark discrepancy highlights Netanyahu’s unwillingness to align with the majority’s preferences, even on matters of national security and humanitarian concern.

The Ultra-Orthodox Enlistment Debate

Another significant point of contention is the issue of ultra-Orthodox enlistment in the Israeli army. Traditionally exempt from military service, the ultra-Orthodox community’s absence from the armed forces has become increasingly untenable, especially as Israel faces multiple fronts of conflict. Over 70 percent of Israelis, including a majority of right-wing voters, oppose these exemptions and the state subsidies allocated to ultra-Orthodox institutions. Despite this, Netanyahu’s government has refused to budge, prioritizing the interests of its coalition partners over the will of the people.

Disregard for Democratic Norms

Netanyahu’s disregard for public opinion is further evident in his handling of the judicial overhaul. Proposed in early 2023, the plan aimed to drastically reduce the power of Israel’s Supreme Court, bypassing public debate and pushing it through parliament on a narrow party-line vote. Public opposition to the overhaul was overwhelming, with two-thirds of Israelis expressing disapproval, leading to the largest sustained protest movement in Israeli history. Although the initiative was shelved due to the events of October 7, Netanyahu’s coalition has since revived it, reigniting concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.

Personnel Decisions Reflecting Political Expediency

The prime minister’s commitment to maintaining power over principle is also reflected in his personnel decisions. The firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was the most popular politician in Israel, exemplifies this trend. Gallant’s opposition to the judicial overhaul, his rejection of Jewish settlement in Gaza, and his advocacy for drafting the ultra-Orthodox into the military aligned him with the majority of Israelis. However, these positions made him a liability for Netanyahu, who dismissed him to maintain the cohesion of his coalition. Gallant’s subsequent resignation from parliament underscores the depth of political discord in Israel.

The Future of Israeli Democracy

Netanyahu’s governance has not only undermined his popularity but also raised serious concerns about the health of Israeli democracy. While his coalition may legally remain in power until the next election in 2026, its blatant disregard for public opinion has eroded faith in the political system. Polls consistently show that the current government is likely to lose the next election, as Israelis increasingly view Netanyahu as out of touch with their needs and aspirations. Once the immediate threat of the Gaza war subsides, the focus is likely to shift to holding the leadership accountable, raising questions about the future of Israel’s democratic institutions and political landscape.