Israelis protest against Netanyahu, demand Gaza ceasefire-captive deal

For over a year, Israeli settlers have been protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing his handling of the war on Gaza and demanding a prisoner-captive exchange deal with the Palestinian Resistance. On December 17, relatives of Israeli captives and activists from the women's protest movement marched through Tel Aviv, calling for an immediate ceasefire to secure the release of all captives held in Gaza. Demonstrators gathered outside Netanyahu's Likud party headquarters, expressing fears that the government would settle for a limited deal; pausing the war temporarily while securing the release of only some captives. While Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz suggested there is a chance for a comprehensive agreement, a Western diplomat indicated that ongoing negotiations may result in a limited deal involving a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of a handful of captives.