Demanding early elections, settlers to Netanyahu: ‘You’ve betrayed us’

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
2 Nov 2024 23:03

Settlers continue to demand a captives deal and express their dissatisfaction with Netanyahu and his government.

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Police disperse people protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and calling for the release of captives held in Gaza, near the Prime Minister's residence in occupied al-Quds, on October 28, 2024. (AP)

Around 500 settlers gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv for the weekly rally of the "Hostage Families Forum," demanding a comprehensive deal to release all remaining captives.

Meanwhile, a similarly sized protest just a block away on Begin Road also called for a captives agreement and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing negotiations.

“Netanyahu don’t forget, history won’t forgive,” they chanted.

Settlers marched from Zion Square in occupied al-Quds to Paris Square, demanding the release of captives held in Gaza.

Some anti-government activists carried a large banner criticizing Netanyahu, who is under investigation for allegedly leaking classified documents from his office.

The banner reads, “A spy in my office? I didn’t see anything. Netanyahu – a useful idiot.”

This comes after the office of Netanyahu released a statement on Friday refuting claims of any staff members being arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Shin Bet, Israeli occupation forces (IOF), and the Israeli police into the leak of classified intelligence, Israeli media reported. The announcement comes after a Rishon Lezion court judge partially lifted a gag order on the case, confirming that several suspects have been detained, though none were identified as Netanyahu's aides.

According to Judge Menachem Mizrahi, authorities commenced the "open phase" of their joint investigation this past week, targeting a potential breach of "national security" due to the leaked information. Mizrahi highlighted the severity of the suspected leak, stating it potentially jeopardized "Israel's" war efforts. While details remain restricted, the judge noted, "Several suspects were arrested for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing."

‘You’ve betrayed us’: Mother of captive accuses Netanyahu of hampering ceasefire deal

Relatives of captives gather outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv for their weekly press conference, urging the government to finalize a deal for the release of the captives.

Addressing Netanyahu, a captive's mother said, “You have betrayed the hostages. You have betrayed us. You have deliberately sabotaged the goals of the war, and you’ve lost the last scraps of mandate you had to manage the negotiations for a deal.”

Netanyahu, accused of undermining potential captive deals for his political agenda, has vowed that "Israel" will continue aggression against Gaza until "achieving total victory."

On that note, on Thursday, a Palestinian source told Al Mayadeen that the Israeli and US proposals regarding a deal on Gaza lack provisions for a permanent ceasefire or a complete withdrawal from the Strip

Instead, the proposal entails 10 days of calm in exchange for the release of four Israeli captives, including two women, in exchange for the release of an unspecified number of Palestinian detainees, according to the approved mechanism.

The proposal also stipulates the entry of about 300 aid trucks daily into Gaza.

The source stressed that Hamas believes the US wants to exploit partial initiatives to benefit election campaigns only. Meanwhile, upcoming meetings are planned between Fatah and Hamas to resume discussions on managing the Gaza Strip and forming a special committee with mutual approval from both parties.