Hostage Killings Spur Protests; US Pushes Last Chance Deal

Sep 2, 2024 9:35 am | News, Ticker, Virtual Jerusalem


The execution of six bound Israeli hostages by Hamas has unleashed a wave of public anger and condemnation, leading to significant civil unrest across the country. As protests escalate and political tensions deepen, the United States is pressing for a “take it or leave it” peace deal to prevent further bloodshed, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is demanding harsher measures against Hamas amid calls to dismiss his “pissing outside the tent” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Public Outcry and Civil Unrest

Following the announcement of the hostages’ executions, massive protests erupted in major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Demonstrators blocked highways, clashed with police, and called for more decisive government action against Hamas. The outcry reflects the broader public frustration over the government’s handling of the hostage crisis and the perceived lack of a robust response to Hamas’s actions.

In a show of solidarity with the hostages’ families, the Histadrut Labor Federation organized a general strike, supported by tech companies, manufacturers, and other major sectors. This unprecedented move highlights the growing public demand for the government to take a stronger stance against Hamas and prioritize the safe return of hostages.

U.S. Proposes “Take It or Leave It” Deal

Amid the escalating crisis, the United States is advocating for a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages under a comprehensive “take it or leave it” deal. This proposed agreement includes immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and a framework for broader peace talks aimed at long-term stability.

The U.S. initiative is seen as a last-resort effort to prevent further violence. A senior U.S. official emphasized the urgency, stating that the situation requires immediate action to save lives and create a foundation for peace. However, skepticism persists within Israel regarding the deal’s likelihood effectiveness, given Hamas’ history of violating ceasefire agreements. The Netanyahu government has doubled-down on its insistence on retaining the strategic Philadelphi corridor on the Gaza-Egypt Border to prevent smuggling of arms, contraband, and people, including hostages.

Netanyahu’s Call for Harsher Measures

In response to the hostage executions, Prime Minister Netanyahu has demanded that his cabinet prepare recommendations for harsh measures against Hamas, emphasizing the need to make the militant group “pay the price”. Netanyahu’s stance is aimed not only at punishing Hamas for the recent killings but also at deterring future hostage murders.

“We must respond with strength,” Netanyahu reportedly told his ministers, underscoring the importance of military action alongside diplomatic efforts. The prime minister’s call for harsh measures comes as part of a broader strategy to weaken Hamas’s capabilities and reduce their influence in the Gaza Strip.

Internal Disputes and Political Fallout

Netanyahu’s hardline approach has led to increased friction within his cabinet, particularly with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Gallant, who has advocated for a more humanitarian-focused approach and criticized the politicization of the hostage situation, has been at odds with Netanyahu over how best to handle the crisis.

The growing dispute has sparked calls from some coalition members to remove Gallant from his position. Figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argue that Gallant’s stance undermines Israel’s security posture and emboldens Hamas. Despite these calls, Netanyahu has been cautious, aware that firing Gallant could further inflame public unrest and destabilize his government.

International Reactions and Regional Implications

The U.S. proposal for a ceasefire has garnered support from European leaders and the United Nations, who emphasize the need for humanitarian access and peace negotiations. However, some regional actors, including Iran, have criticized the West’s involvement, accusing it of bias towards Israel. Egypt and Jordan have urged both Israel and Hamas to accept the U.S. proposal to prevent a full-scale conflict.

2 Comments

  1. HECTOR BAYATE

    A case for liberals Jews

    There are many Jews who are liberals which in the United States (now) is the same as socialists or communists as the Democratic party vanished a long time ago and have become an infested Party who called themselves democrats.

    Jews and people all around the world, should understand that Marxism is more than an ideology, it’s an unending war, a fanaticism that it’s like a cancer, very hard to defeat, and even if you extirpate it, it might come back and kill you.

    They disguised themselves as liberal democrats or social democrats, progressives, environmentalists, social justice fighters, left wings,and more.

    Regardless, many Jews want to belief, or follow blindly as are the majority of liberals or democrats in USA who are “brainwashed” into an ideology based on promises, however, “they’re all lies” because those promises only made them (the ones in power) more powerful and richer, but the people will suffer as the economy and everything else goes from bad to worse because it’s the government who controls everything instead of the people, and freedom disappear!

    It’s all an appealing theory, however, full of lies and a proven disaster throughout history.

    Marxism despises spirituality and dissenting ideas, Jews and everyone who appreciates freedom and democracy should know that communism is the biggest enemy of freedom and religion.

    So, the head of that new socialist party in the United States is a puppet president, Mr. Joe Biden; a decrepit old man who has been a corrupted liar all his life.

    Therefore, it’s not a surprise that Biden and Kamala Harris support Hamas and Palestinian terrorists instead of Israel.

    He pretends that he’s on the side of Israel, however, his actions, not his words, have been since the first day of the attack against Israel, in support of the Palestinian and Hamas terrorists in hundreds of millions of dollars.

    The Biden administration removed all sanctions from the previous administration and gave 16 billions of dollars (known so far) to Iran, who managed and planned the massacre on Oct. 07, and is the main supporter of terrorism in the world.

    Still, many liberal Jews in Israel joined the supporters of terrorism in the United States and all over the world in protest against the Netanjahu government, who is not only trying to rescue innocent victims of those evil terrorists, but save Israel from destruction.

    Democrats, and the media along with this corrupted administration led by a puppet president and a totally inept vice-president, are part of them (Marxism-communism) who are enemies of Israel and the free world!

    Héctor Bayate

  2. Sandra L SMITH

    This “deal” is a non-starter! Israel cannot afford to heed these calls to protect t and enable Hamas and the rest of the murderer groups operating against her! It is NOT the “world’s” business to tell Israel hoe best to defend HER citizens, when they are all doing such LOUSY jobs of it themselves!