Anger in Israel: Hamas seen as more credible than Netanyahu government

Tel Aviv is witnessing growing anger toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with voices sharply criticizing its handling of the war on the Gaza Strip. Some Israelis have gone so far as to say that “Hamas has become more credible than their government,” reflecting the depth of public discontent.

Hebrew media are reflecting the frustration on Israel’s streets, where settlers express their pain that “Hamas is more credible in its information than our government.” These voices accuse Netanyahu’s office of flooding the public with lies, which contributes to fueling hatred across political currents.

Recent polls by the Institute for National Security Studies showed that 76% of Israelis have lost confidence in Netanyahu’s government, indicating a deep rift between leadership and society. Many feel that personal political considerations are overriding the management of the war and the national interest.

Internal criticism is intensifying, with some drawing alarming historical comparisons and calling for examinations of how Nazism and fascism rose, to understand the trajectory Israel is heading toward. These concerns are echoed in analytical pieces and opinion columns in the Hebrew press.

Critics say government policies, particularly regarding the judiciary, the media and the conduct of the war, exhibit fascistic traits that threaten Israel’s future as a democratic state. These fears reflect deep anxiety about the erosion of democratic values in Israeli society.

The mounting anger reveals a sharp societal split over the goals and efficacy of the war. While the Israeli government insists on continuing the fighting to achieve “complete victory,” a large portion of families of hostages believe Netanyahu’s policies are prolonging the conflict for political reasons.

Ongoing demonstrations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem underscore this division, with protesters demanding an immediate deal to secure the return of those held, saying the government has abandoned them. This rift extends beyond the streets into the Israeli political and military establishments.

Reports are increasing of deep disagreements over war strategy and the future of Gaza “in the day after,” reflecting uncertainty and concern among Israelis about what will follow the end of the offensive.