Tens of thousands of Israelis flooded the streets of central Jerusalem on Sunday in a massive demonstration against the government, marking the largest anti-government protest since the country entered into conflict in October. Protesters demanded that the government secure a cease-fire agreement to release numerous hostages held in Gaza by Hamas militants and called for early elections.
Outside of Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, voices rose demanding the ousting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "This government's actions in Gaza are abhorrent, not in our name. We demand accountability, and we demand resignation today, right now," stated protester Karen Saar.
Following the events of October 7, when Hamas's cross-border attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the capture of 250 others, Israeli society initially stood united. However, nearly six months of ongoing conflict have reignited tensions regarding Netanyahu's leadership, despite the majority of the country still supporting the war.
Netanyahu has made bold promises to dismantle Hamas and ensure the safe return of all hostages, yet these objectives have proven to be challenging. Despite sustaining significant losses, Hamas continues to operate.
Basem Naim, head of international relations for the militant group, shared with Williams his belief that Hamas has emerged victorious in the realm of public relations, despite the significant loss of life.
"We have a lot of sympathy, a lot of support," he conveyed to Williams. "Israel has been exposed clearly as an apartheid state. They are killers."
"Netanyahu is only working in his private interests"
Approximately half of the hostages in Gaza were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November. However, efforts by international negotiators to secure the release of the remaining hostages have proven unsuccessful. Discussions resumed on Sunday with no indication of an imminent breakthrough.
The families of the hostages fear that time is running out, and their dissatisfaction with Netanyahu is becoming more vocal.
"We believe that no hostages will come back with this government because they're busy putting sticks in the wheels of negotiations for the hostages," stated Boaz Atzili, whose cousin, Aviv Atzili, and his wife, Liat, were abducted on Oct. 7. Liat was eventually freed, but Aviv lost his life, and his body remains in Gaza. "Netanyahu is only working in his private interests."
Protesters are holding Netanyahu accountable for the failures of Oct. 7 and argue that the significant political divides stemming from his attempted judicial reforms last year left Israel vulnerable to the attack. Some are accusing him of straining relations with the United States, Israel's crucial ally.
Netanyahu is currently facing a series of corruption charges that are slowly moving through the courts, with critics arguing that his decisions seem to prioritize political survival over the national interest. Recent opinion polls indicate that Netanyahu and his coalition are significantly behind their competitors if elections were to take place today.
Unless his governing coalition collapses sooner, Netanyahu will not have to contend with elections until the spring of 2026.
Many families of hostages had refrained from publicly criticizing Netanyahu in order to avoid upsetting the leadership and politicizing the situation of the hostages. However, as their frustration grows, some are now considering a change in approach - and they played a key role in the anti-government protest that took place on Sunday.
The crowd that gathered on Sunday extended for several blocks around the Knesset, the parliament building, and organizers have pledged to continue the protest for multiple days. They are calling on the government to organize new elections nearly two years ahead of schedule. Additionally, thousands of people demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Sunday, following a large protest the night before.
In a nationally televised speech before undergoing hernia surgery later on Sunday, Netanyahu acknowledged the pain felt by the families. However, he argued that calling for new elections - especially at a crucial moment - would immobilize Israel for six to eight months and disrupt the ongoing hostage negotiations. At present, Netanyahu's governing coalition seems to be holding strong.
While some hostage families agree that now may not be the right time for elections, others are pushing for a change in leadership.
"I believe that maintaining the current prime minister is crucial for the safe return of my son," expressed Sheli Shem Tov, whose son Omer was abducted from a music festival, in an interview with Israel's Channel 12. "Rushing into elections at this moment will only divert attention from the urgent priority of bringing the hostages back home."
"Success hinges on entering Rafah"
During his address on Sunday, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to a military incursion in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where a significant portion of the territory's 2.3 million residents have sought refuge amidst the ongoing conflict. "Entering Rafah is essential for achieving success," he emphasized, dismissing any potential influence from U.S. pressure. According to Israel's military, Hamas forces are still present in the area.
A U.S. official disclosed to CBS News that American and Israeli officials are scheduled to convene virtually on Monday to further deliberate on the situation in Rafah. Subsequent face-to-face meetings are anticipated following the experts' discussions.
Highlighting the internal divisions within Israel, a gathering of reservists and retired officers staged a protest in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood.
Traditionally, ultra-Orthodox men have been exempt from compulsory military service, a practice that has fueled resentment particularly during the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu's administration has been instructed to present a revised proposal for a more equitable conscription law by Monday.
Netanyahu, who heavily depends on the backing of ultra-Orthodox parties, recently requested an extension to address this matter.
During the weekend, a crowded hospital in central Gaza was struck by an Israeli airstrike, hitting a tent camp in the courtyard. This attack resulted in the death of two Palestinians and left another 15 wounded, including journalists who were working nearby.
Amid the ongoing conflict, tens of thousands of people have sought refuge in Gaza's hospitals, perceiving them as relatively safe from airstrikes. However, Israel has accused Hamas and other militants of using medical facilities as cover, a claim that Gaza's health officials refute.
Israeli forces have been conducting raids at Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza, for almost two weeks. They assert that they have eliminated numerous fighters, including high-ranking Hamas members. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that over 100 patients at the hospital lack access to clean water and are suffering from infected wounds, while doctors are forced to use plastic bags as gloves.
Not far from Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, members of the small Palestinian Christian community gathered at the Holy Family Church to observe Easter. Despite the surrounding conflict, the church remained a place of peace, with the scent of incense filling the air in this untouched sanctuary.
"With heavy hearts, we gather here today," expressed attendee Winnie Tarazi. The compound is currently providing shelter for approximately 600 individuals.
Concerns raised by the United Nations and its partners indicate a looming threat of famine in the severely affected and mostly cut-off northern region of Gaza. Humanitarian officials emphasize that the current methods of delivery by sea and air are insufficient, stressing the urgent need for Israel to permit a substantial increase in aid transportation by road. Egypt has reported that thousands of trucks are on standby, awaiting approval.
In response, Israel asserts that there are no restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The blame for the limited distribution of aid is placed on the U.N. and other global organizations by Israeli authorities.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 32,782 Palestinian lives. The ministry's data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants; however, it notes that a significant portion of those killed are women and children.
Israel maintains that more than a third of the casualties are militants, although concrete evidence has not been provided. The Israeli government attributes civilian deaths to Hamas, citing the group's presence in residential areas as a contributing factor.
According to a Lebanese security official speaking on condition of anonymity, Hezbollah militant Ismail al-Zain was killed. Israel's military referred to al-Zain as a "significant commander." Hezbollah later confirmed his death.
On Sunday night, a Palestinian assailant stabbed three individuals in southern Israel, causing serious injuries, as reported by the Hatzalah rescue service. The police mentioned that the attacker was shot, but did not provide any additional information regarding his condition.
