As the war in Gaza rages on, Israeli protests against the Netanyahu government have resumed. As in the months preceding Oct. 7, the demonstrators are calling for “elections now.” This time, however, the reason for this has changed. Instead of judicial reform, they are seeking to use the hostages to overthrow the democratically elected government.
Despite the deep frustration and pain felt by all of Israel; despite the continued captivity of hostages and the widespread loss that affects nearly everyone; there is no justification for the resurgence of these pre-Oct. 7 confrontational tactics.
We are a nation deeply wounded by the Oct. 7 massacre, grieving for the hostages still held in Gaza and mourning those who were murdered on that day or have since died defending our country. Our soldiers are on the front lines, risking their lives day after day, hour after hour, to protect our state and people from an enemy intent on our annihilation and calling for our genocide. Many of our soldiers have returned severely wounded and the hostages are enduring the most inhumane conditions and daily abuse. Families have been torn apart, parents left without children and children without parents. Tens of thousands of Israel’s citizens are refugees in their own state.
While many understand and sympathize with the frustration driving the protests and it is undeniable that there are valid criticisms of the government’s decisions these protests are misguided. This is not the time to rally against the government. Now is a moment for unity rather than division.
The protests are dangerously undermining the nation’s efforts to navigate this crisis. This is alarming in and of itself, but what is even more disturbing is that the anti-government forces seem to have learned nothing from the events of Oct. 7. We see the same protest leaders and followers reverting to the same divisive tactics that previously caused enormous harm and almost tore our nation apart.
Let’s take a moment to consider the potential consequences if these protests succeed and elections are called: With Israel in a state of paralysis due to electioneering, the war effort would very likely be compromised. The hostages would be stranded in Gaza. Hamas would reconsolidate its power in Gaza and potentially launch new attacks.
Such a scenario would not only embolden Hamas but also encourage other terrorist actors such as Hezbollah and Iran, who might see it as an opportunity to escalate their aggression.
Furthermore, antisemitic forces worldwide would perceive it as a victory, further weakening Israel’s position globally.
In the Middle East, perceived weakness often invites attack. Ending the war through elections would jeopardize our national security and inadvertently support the strategies of our enemies. It would be a boon to our adversaries and pose a grave threat to the safety and security of our entire people.
Is this really what we want? Is this really what we need? Obviously, it is not.
Thus, the protests must cease. We must rally behind our soldiers who are bravely fighting this war, support the bereaved families and stand by our democratically elected government.
Most importantly, we must clearly identify who our true enemy is, and it is not one another. It is the Islam that targets Jews and threatens our very existence. The Islam that has stated it will repeat the horrors of Oct. 7 time and again.
We are not enemies of one another. Our government is not our enemy. Nor are Jews who think differently or dress differently. We are one family, whether we are religious or secular, agree or disagree. Each of us has a role to play in this critical moment. We must stop behaving as if it is still Oct. 6.
In times of war, unity and solidarity are our greatest assets. Division only empowers our enemies. This undeniable truth should prompt the protestors to reconsider their approach.
