The citizens of Israel are now vocal in demanding the resignation of their hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Following the October 7, 2023, attack and his failure to provide adequate security for citizens, 62% of Israelis want Netanyahu to resign, according to a survey conducted by Israeli daily Maariv. Among those surveyed, 62% expressed a desire for Netanyahu’s resignation, 29% preferred him to remain as Prime Minister, and 19% refrained from commenting, reports Anadolu.
Participants in the survey included supporters of Netanyahu’s Likud Party, members of the ruling coalition, and opposition supporters.
The Maariv survey revealed that even 18% of Likud Party supporters believe Netanyahu should resign for failing to ensure citizens’ safety. Among opposition supporters and those of ruling coalition parties, the percentages were 93% and 31%, respectively.
On October 7, 2023, fighters from Hamas, the group controlling Gaza, launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli territory. This devastating attack left 1,200 people dead and resulted in the abduction of 250 individuals by Hamas. It was the largest attack in Israel’s history.
In response, Israel’s military launched an operation in Gaza. Over the 15-month-long campaign, more than 47,000 people were killed in Gaza. With the mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, a ceasefire began on January 19.
Criticism of Netanyahu’s leadership in national security began immediately after the October 7 attack. However, Netanyahu refused to take responsibility for the incident and blamed the military for the failures.
Regarding the ceasefire initiated in Gaza on Sunday to secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, only 28% of survey participants believe it will succeed.
Thirty-nine percent are certain that the ceasefire will not last, while 33% are skeptical about its outcome.
Analyzing the survey further, if elections were held now in Israel, the opposition coalition would secure 59 of the 120 seats in the Knesset (Israeli Parliament). Netanyahu’s coalition, on the other hand, would win a maximum of 50 seats, while Arab parties would secure 10 seats.