The Israeli Defense Forces warn that demolishing Gaza City as ordered by the Netanyahu government could take over a year, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact and international law violations amid ongoing tensions and military operations.
The ultra-orthodox draft exemption issue has intensified the threat against the Netanyahu government in Israel, as the coalition faces a potential collapse over the contentious topic. The exemption has long been a point of contention, with ultra-orthodox parties seeking to maintain it while others push for its reform. The debate has put pressure on the fragile coalition, raising concerns about its stability and potential impact on Israeli politics.
Tens of thousands of Israelis protested across the country, calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip and demanding early elections. Demonstrators denounced both the governing coalition and the opposition, urging for a change in leadership. The protests also addressed the issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox Israelis into the IDF, with speakers expressing a desire for compromise and criticizing the current leadership's handling of the situation.
The relationship between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government in Israel has become highly dysfunctional, with few major policy thrusts being supported by the Israeli government. Despite this, the Biden team continues to engage with Israel and neighboring countries, hoping that Netanyahu will be pushed out of office and progress can be made towards an independent Palestinian state. The ongoing conflict has highlighted the importance of the two-state solution and the need for a change in Israeli leadership. While progress may be difficult, there are factors that could make it possible, including continued pressure from the United States.
Israeli pro-democracy protesters, including a physics professor, tech entrepreneur, expat student, and marketing executive, are leading hundreds of thousands of activists across the country to stop the Netanyahu government's alleged judicial coup.