“We hope the world hears us and knows that the people of Israel are not the government of Israel,” said one protester.

Israelis protested on Saturday night, calling for a ceasefire and the resignation of hardline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Tel Aviv to demand that the government reach a deal with Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

They also called for new elections, accusing Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict to keep himself in power.

  • NeatNit
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    6 months ago

    If you think it’s that simple you have no clue how controversial he is, and has been for roughly the entire time (increasing over the years). Israel isn’t (yet?) stuck in a two-party system, so there’s lots of different parties. Needless to say, Likkud (his party) does not get 50% of the votes. It is the largest party most of the time but not a majority.

    The previous government formed with parties from opposite sides of the spectrum just to keep the Likkud out. It didn’t last long, but neither did any of Bibi’s governments in the preceding 2 years - we’ve had a political crisis because no one wanted to work with him because he’s so controversial. The only reason he won the last election is that some parties on the left didn’t pass the threshold to be represented (basically throwing away their votes) and he partnered with extremist parties on the far-right, which he previously wouldn’t have lowered himself to but he was desperate to return to power. No one would partner with him but them.

    As for the number of votes Likkud does get - yeah, it’s a lot, but so are Trump voters (or pick your least favourite party/politician in your country) and it wouldn’t be fair to generalise and say all Americans support Trump, would it? Not to mention, you only get to pick from the candidates that are available.

    FWIW I voted against him, to the party that didn’t pass the threshold :( it was the first time in their history this happened IIRC

    • blazera@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      Likud doesnt get a majority, but it does get a plurality for a reason. Its also far from the only murderous zionist party, the coalition formed is absolutely a majority. Even if people didnt vote for netanyahu, most of them voted for a murderous zionist party. Netanyahu isnt doing this alone.