The internal clashes within Loop began affecting Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. As the conflict shifts to a new phase, casualties keep rising at a troubling rate, with nearly 200 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Opinion polls reflect sharp dissatisfaction with the leadership and questions about the Likud party’s future in the Knesset. A Channel 13 survey of the Israeli Parliament shows a potential shift in support and concern over the possibility of a Palestinian state being realized under current leadership (Attribution: Channel 13 poll).
Back home, pressure mounts publicly and in institutions. Demonstrations against the war and calls for hostage releases took place over the weekend, underscoring broad domestic dissent that challenges Netanyahu on several fronts. Polls point toward a potential victory for Benny Gantz, a centrist figure from the National Unity Party, suggesting a different path for national leadership. If elections were held today, the current coalition would be forced to contend with a significantly altered balance of power, with commentators noting that even a strong showing by Nir Barkat, who would lead Likud, could yield substantial gains for the opposition. The latest assessments place the current coalition in a much tighter configuration than the historic dominance described by analysts, with 46 seats compared to the 64 currently held and far short of the 120-seat Parliament needed to govern effectively (Attribution: internal polling summaries).
Statements emerged from coalition figures who criticized the direction of policy. Itamar Ben Gvir, who does not participate in the war cabinet, stated, in a stance that aligns with his party, that any move to end the war would bar him from supporting the government. Bezalel Smotrich, a leading voice on economic and security issues, argued for a marked increase in military intensity as the only viable route to secure hostages and maintain sovereignty for the Jewish state, a position voiced during a meeting of the Religious Zionism party (Attribution: party communications).
Disappointment from the USA and England
Relatives of hostages have made clear they doubt the current leaders can secure a prompt release, expressing frustration after months of crisis and escalation. They carried banners into parliament and urged policymakers to intensify efforts to recover all captives, signaling potential resignations if progress stalls. Public protestors have camped outside government residences in Jerusalem in an ongoing appeal for decisive action to bring loved ones home. Officials have reiterated that no agreement with Hamas is imminent, and that military operations would continue (Attribution: witness accounts and parliamentary coverage).
Across the Atlantic, signals from key allies emphasized support for a two-state approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In London, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated that position after Netanyahu signaled resistance to concessions, while a spokesperson underscored that two states remain viewed as the best path to lasting peace. In Washington, U.S. officials prepared to expand diplomacy in the region, with senior aides discussing renewed efforts to coordinate prisoner releases and humanitarian corridors alongside security considerations. The evolving stance reflects ongoing tensions between immediate security concerns and longer-term political goals (Attribution: official statements and press coverage).
“We were stuck between tanks”
Reports from Gaza reveal the grim realities of siege warfare. A resident described a scenario where civilians are trapped between advancing armored units and limited escape routes, with the main displacement hub near the southern center. Israeli forces have intensified operations in the area, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to hospitals, ambulances, and schools. The area, once a shelter for thousands, has faced shifting declarations about its status as a safe zone, creating confusion and fear among residents. The casualty count has risen, with 190 reported deaths in the last 24 hours and tens of thousands injured across the region, as the conflict enters a prolonged phase (Attribution: field reporting and NGO data).
The United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees has corroborated telecommunications outages and noted that lengthy disruptions have hindered access to life-saving information and rescue efforts. The disruption has complicated outreach and coordination for humanitarian workers, who continue to document the ongoing emergency and advocate for uninterrupted aid and communications to affected populations (Attribution: UNRWA briefings and NGO updates).