Italian
Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirms his hardline stance on the Gaza Strip, while protests in Israel continue against the handling of the crisis and the failure to release hostages. Tensions remain high, with growing criticism both domestically and internationally.
ISRAEL. On Monday evening, Benjamin Netanyahu held his first press conference since the large protests began in Israel, triggered by calls for an agreement with Hamas for the release of hostages taken during the attacks on October 7. Netanyahu rejected any possibility of changing Israel’s strategy regarding the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that he does not intend to withdraw Israeli troops or relinquish control of the borders.
Protests against Netanyahu’s government erupted over the weekend, immediately following the discovery of the bodies of six hostages in a tunnel beneath Rafah, in southern Gaza. According to the Israeli army, these hostages were killed by Hamas just days before their bodies were found.
During the press conference, Netanyahu responded to criticisms suggesting that the deaths of the hostages were a consequence of his reluctance to negotiate. He instead placed the blame for the failure of negotiations on Hamas, insisting on the strategic importance for Israel of maintaining control over the “Philadelphi corridor,” a narrow strip of border between Gaza and Egypt, which Israel considers a crucial passage for the entry of weapons destined for Hamas. Hamas, for its part, sees the withdrawal of Israeli forces from this area as an essential condition for any agreement.
Meanwhile, protests continue to inflame the country. On Monday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, chanting slogans like “Ceasefire – Now” and waving coffins wrapped in Israeli flags. In Tel Aviv, thousands marched toward the headquarters of Netanyahu’s party, with some protesters blocking a highway. Images and videos released in recent hours show police intervening forcefully, arresting and dragging away protesters outside the prime minister’s residence.
Netanyahu’s decisions have faced sharp criticism not only from the Israeli opposition and media but also on the international stage.
The handling of the crisis has raised concerns even among Israel’s allies. On Monday evening, the United Kingdom announced the suspension of certain arms export licenses to Israel, citing the risk that these could be used in violation of international humanitarian law. During a meeting with U.S. mediators, when asked whether Netanyahu was doing enough for a ceasefire, U.S. President Joe Biden replied with a curt “no.”
Anti-government protests are expected to continue today, maintaining pressure on the Netanyahu government.
