Thousands of people demonstrated in Jerusalem on Wednesday evening, for the second night in a row, against the dismissal of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant.
The demonstrators also called for reaching a settlement with the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip to free about 100 Israeli hostages still being held there, and abandoning the scheduled exemptions from compulsory military service for ultra-Orthodox men.
The dismissal of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had a negative impact on the Israeli public, as calls were made to take to the streets and dismiss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that he “sold the army to the Haredim.”
The Israeli opposition had previously called for mass protests immediately after Netanyahu announced Gallant’s dismissal, while demonstrators closed a highway in Tel Aviv yesterday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Gallant on Tuesday, saying he had lost confidence in him.
Last updated: November 7, 2024 – 18:14
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Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special interview segment. Today, we are joined by Dr. Miriam Cohen, an expert in Middle Eastern politics, to discuss the recent protests in Jerusalem surrounding the dismissal of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant. Thank you for being here, Dr. Cohen.
Dr. Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen thousands of people take to the streets in Jerusalem for two consecutive nights, protesting Galant’s dismissal. What do you believe are the core issues driving these demonstrations?
Dr. Cohen: The demonstrations can be attributed to several layers of dissatisfaction among the Israeli public. Firstly, Galant was seen as a stabilizing figure during a particularly unstable time, given the ongoing conflict and security concerns. His dismissal raises serious questions regarding the political priorities of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, especially with the current backdrop of military unrest.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the protests also embody a broader call for a settlement with Hamas regarding the hostages in Gaza. How significant is this demand within the context of Israeli public sentiment?
Dr. Cohen: It’s incredibly significant. The plight of the hostages weighs heavily on many families across the country, creating a national imperative to resolve the situation. The call for a settlement with Hamas reflects a growing recognition among some Israelis that pragmatic discussions may be the only path to securing their loved ones’ release. The intersection of military policy and humanitarian concerns is becoming increasingly crucial, and these protests signify a shift in public perspective.
Time.news Editor: Is there a connection between the protests and the recent exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox men that were scheduled to be upheld?
Dr. Cohen: Yes, there is a palpable connection. Many demonstrators are frustrated with what they perceive as a compromise of national security for political gain. The exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men have long been a contentious issue; critics argue that they undermine the unity and obligation of military service in Israeli society. The protesters are expressing a desire for equal responsibility among all citizens, especially in times of crisis.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned terms like “stability” and “pragmatism.” How do you see Netanyahu’s government responding to these protests, especially amidst calls for his resignation?
Dr. Cohen: Netanyahu faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, he must appease the more hardline elements of his coalition, especially those supportive of ultra-Orthodox interests. On the other hand, he needs to address the growing unrest among the general public that is voicing dissatisfaction. If he doesn’t find a way to address these protests and the underlying issues, he risks further destabilizing his government and losing support across the board.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like we’re at a crossroads for both the Israeli government and its citizenry. In your opinion, what are the potential consequences of continuing this unrest if the government fails to act?
Dr. Cohen: Prolonged unrest could lead to severe political ramifications. The possibility of an escalated demand for change in leadership is real, especially if public sentiment continues to turn against Netanyahu. Moreover, if protests intensify without a government reply, we could see a deeper polarization within Israeli society, which has historically been fragile. The tensions surrounding military service, security, and civil rights will not resolve themselves easily, and the outcome will significantly shape the future of Israeli politics.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for this insightful analysis. It’s clear that the situation holds considerable weight both for the Israeli people and the government. The coming days will be pivotal.
Dr. Cohen: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pressing issue. What happens next in Israel could very well redefine its political landscape for years to come.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. Thank you for joining us, and thank you to our audience for tuning in to this important discussion.