Israel in Turmoil: Netanyahu’s Power Struggles Ignite Unprecedented Protests
Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets, voicing their outrage against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to tighten his grip on power. The political crisis, exacerbated by the resumption of bombings in Gaza and internal government conflicts, has triggered one of the largest protest movements in Israel’s recent history.
The unrest follows Netanyahu’s controversial decision to resume airstrikes in Gaza, despite ongoing negotiations for the release of Israeli captives. The move, seen by many as a desperate attempt to hold onto political power, has led to escalating tensions within Israel.
Netanyahu’s Political Survival at Any Cost
At the heart of the controversy is Netanyahu’s alliance with far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, who recently rejoined the government. The timing of Ben-Gvir’s return, coinciding with renewed military action in Gaza, has raised suspicions that Netanyahu is leveraging war to secure political support.
Political analysts argue that Netanyahu is primarily focused on ensuring the passage of his government’s budget before the March 31 deadline. Failure to pass the budget would trigger snap elections, a scenario Netanyahu wants to avoid at all costs. His maneuvers have drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing him of prioritizing political survival over national stability.
The Budget Battle and Ultra-Orthodox Demands
A major point of contention within the government is the allocation of funds in the 2025 budget. The proposed $169.19 billion budget includes significant military expenditures, aimed at sustaining ongoing conflicts. However, internal disagreements threaten to derail the process.
Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding increased funding for religious seminaries and exemptions from military service for Jewish seminary students. Meanwhile, Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party has previously voted against budget-related bills, frustrated by the lack of salary increases for the police force. These competing interests have made the budget negotiations particularly volatile.
Public Outrage: Mass Protests Against Netanyahu
Public frustration with Netanyahu has reached a boiling point. Protesters argue that the Prime Minister’s focus is not on ending the war or securing the release of hostages but rather on securing his own political future.
“We are tired of being pawns in his political game,” said one protester outside the Knesset in Jerusalem. “He is willing to risk everything just to stay in power.”
Many demonstrators are particularly enraged by Netanyahu’s attempt to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Critics claim that these moves are part of Netanyahu’s broader strategy to dismantle institutions that threaten his rule.
Netanyahu’s ‘Deep State’ Claims: A Copy of Trump’s Playbook?
Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed that he is the victim of a “deep state” conspiracy, echoing rhetoric used by former U.S. President Donald Trump. He argues that Israel’s justice system has been “weaponized” against him, a claim that has only intensified the political crisis.
“In America and in Israel, when a strong right-wing leader wins an election, the leftist deep state tries to thwart the people’s will,” Netanyahu wrote on social media. His critics dismiss these claims as a calculated attempt to rally his base and distract from his ongoing corruption trials.
The Supreme Court Blocks Netanyahu’s Power Moves
Despite Netanyahu’s efforts, the Israeli Supreme Court has intervened. On Friday, the Court froze Netanyahu’s attempt to dismiss Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and Attorney General Baharav-Miara has declared the no-confidence vote against her illegitimate.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s coalition voted against a bill that would have investigated government failures leading to the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. This decision has further fueled public outrage, with many viewing it as an attempt to suppress accountability.
What’s Next for Israel?
As protests continue to intensify, Netanyahu’s grip on power appears increasingly unstable. With budget negotiations reaching a critical point and public unrest at an all-time high, the coming weeks will determine whether Netanyahu can weather this storm or if Israel is heading toward yet another political upheaval.
FAQs: What You Need to Know
1. Why are Israelis protesting against Netanyahu? Israelis are protesting against Netanyahu’s political maneuvers, including his decision to resume airstrikes in Gaza and his efforts to dismiss key officials.
2. What role does Itamar Ben-Gvir play in this crisis? Ben-Gvir rejoined Netanyahu’s government, securing his support in exchange for resuming military action in Gaza, which has fueled public outrage.
3. How does the 2025 budget impact Netanyahu’s political survival? If Netanyahu fails to pass the budget by March 31, snap elections will be triggered, potentially ending his rule.
4. What is the controversy surrounding the Shin Bet chief? Netanyahu attempted to dismiss Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, who is investigating his office. The Supreme Court blocked the dismissal.
5. Why is Netanyahu claiming a ‘deep state’ conspiracy? Netanyahu argues that Israel’s justice system is being used against him, mirroring claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
6. What has been the Supreme Court’s response to Netanyahu’s actions? The Supreme Court has blocked Netanyahu’s attempts to remove high-ranking officials, intensifying the political crisis.
7. How do ultra-Orthodox parties influence the budget negotiations? They are demanding increased funding for religious seminaries and military exemptions for seminary students, adding to budget tensions.
8. What are the consequences of breaking the ceasefire in Gaza? Renewed airstrikes have killed over 500 Palestinians, including 200 children, further escalating tensions.
9. What happens if Netanyahu loses his political backing? If Netanyahu fails to pass the budget or loses key allies, his government could collapse, leading to early elections.
10. How does this crisis impact Israel’s international reputation? The ongoing political instability and military actions in Gaza have drawn criticism from the international community, affecting Israel’s global standing.
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