Despite the formation of a national coalition – war cabinet, Israeli citizens are not happy with Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.
According to a recent poll by Maariv newspaper (original article in Hebrew), a significant majority of Israelis believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should publicly acknowledge responsibility for the failures that preceded a major Hamas attack on October 7th.
NETANYAHU MUST APOLOGIZE…
Key Israeli defense figures, such as IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, have already taken responsibility for their actions, as well as their omissions. However, Netanyahu has not made a public statement accepting responsibility. The poll reveals that 80% of Israelis, including 69% of Likud party voters, think Netanyahu should follow suit.
… BUT ISRAELIS SUPPORT GAZA INVASION…
In terms of military actions, a majority of Israelis support a ground offensive in Gaza against Hamas and a large-scale military operation on the northern front due to increasing tensions with Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon.
…EVEN UNDER A DIFFERENT PM
Lastly, the poll suggests a decline in support for the current coalition, with Gantz’s party gaining popularity. A substantial portion of respondents goes as far as to prefer National Unity party leader Benny Gantz as prime minister over Netanyahu.
In a related matter, there is disagreement within the Israeli political opposition regarding joining the government in the current emergency wartime situation. Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party has been hesitant to join the coalition unless certain far-right figures are removed from key security-related positions. Some within the party, like MK Elazar Stern, believe they should join the unity government for the sake of national emergency, while Lapid has expressed concerns about the government’s structure and handling of the recent crisis.
