Israel on the abyss: Citizens' protests and fears of war come to a head!

Israel on the abyss: Citizens' protests and fears of war come to a head!

Ostjerusalem, Israel - On May 31, 2025, the tensions in Israel intensify because the military operations in Gaza continue and the internal political-social breaks increase. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pursues the goal of a total military victory, while at the same time more and more social groups draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This situation is complemented by protests and civilian riots within the country that additionally burden the political climate.

The voices of the peace and anti-war movements grow in Israeli society. Military members have published letters in which they criticize the political motives of the war and the risks of Israeli hostages in Gaza. At Israeli universities, academic circles have published official letters that put the suffering of the Palestinians in the foreground - a remarkable step in view of the conflicts that have been in mind since October 2023.

inner tensions and protests

civil society is also faced with a growing resistance to the government. According to a survey, 82% of Jewish Israelis support the expulsion of the Palestinian population from Gaza, while almost 50% of civilians in occupied areas support. Such extreme views are also shown in the protests led by Far-Right Officials; Thousands marched in East Jerusalem and chanted anti-Arabic slogans.

However, the government coalition agenda is on the brink. Netanyahus coalition faces internal tornness. The government could destabilize the decapping of ultra-right allies in particular. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's resignation further weakened the structure of power, and Finance Minister Bezhalel Smotrich has threatened to withdraw support unless Netanyahu promises a continuation of the military actions in Gaza after any armor-up agreement.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The ongoing military conflicts have already led to over 54,000 Palestinian fatalities and raised serious humanitarian concerns. The international community, including Amnesty International, has found that Israel may commit genocide murder of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The documentation shows that the Israeli actions fall under the genocide convention and aim to destroy the Palestinian population as a group.

For Benjamin Netanyahu, it becomes increasingly challenging to ignore public pressure after the termination of violence and a hostage release. Despite the internal challenges, an escalation of violence in the West Bank could happen to create a security policy crisis situation that would possibly help him distract from the domestic problems. Historically, Israeli leaders have used security crises to gain political support.