Israeli Protests Intensify Over Hostage Deal Amid Netanyahu's Stance

"...Worlds away from the public outrage and cries of protest echoing through Tel Aviv’s packed streets on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu beamed from the podium in Jerusalem, his words greeted with laughter and applause...."

"...The contrast was unmistakable...."

"...Protesters spoke of a country that needs to heal. Netanyahu celebrated the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank...."

"...They called for accountability. He spoke of "a bright future ahead."..."

"...The juxtaposition reflects the general attitude of Netanyahu and his government toward the broad Israeli consensus demanding an end to the war and the return of the remaining hostages: indifference and detachment...."

"...The scale of public mobilization and participation is difficult to ignore...."

"...Solidarity is the driving force energizing the masses, says Haim Rubinstein, strategic consultant and one of the founders of the Hostages Families’ Forum...."

"...The government’s apparent disconnect from the street doesn’t seem to deter the demonstrators. It is an essential part of what spurs them on...."

"...She notes the messaging the demonstrations sends to the world: "We come so that people outside, in the world, see and hear us, so they know that the people of Israel are not their leadership, and know to distinguish between us and our government,"..."

"...The latest protests have already achieved tactical victories in the attention span war, bringing the hostage families’ struggle back to the top of the news agenda...."

"...The families vow to continue ramping up pressure as they believe it is the only way to force Netanyahu – and the White House – to move toward a deal...."

"...Despite Netanyahu’s hardline and dismissive comments, apparent diplomatic openings emerged last week...."

"...The prime minister’s priorities became starkly evident on Tuesday when he convened the security cabinet for the first time since the Gaza City operation was approved, and since Hamas accepted the new truce proposal...."

"...The meeting coincided with mass protests in Tel Aviv. But it was cut short due to Netanyahu’s scheduled celebration with the leadership of Jewish settlers in the West Bank. As protesters hit the streets, Netanyahu went out to dinner...."