Israel’s nationwide general strike led by families of hostages sparked fierce political backlash Sunday. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the protests a “campaign that plays into Hamas’s hands” and claimed turnout was minimal. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said the strike “failed” and only “strengthens Hamas.”
The strike followed the cabinet’s approval of a Gaza City invasion plan, despite warnings it could endanger the remaining 50 hostages. Families of captives, joined by businesses, universities, and municipalities, say the government is sacrificing lives instead of pursuing a deal.
Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz backed the families, accusing ministers of cynically smearing grieving relatives. “Our hostages are not pawns,” Lapid said from Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. “We will fight until they return.”
Highways were blocked, protests erupted in hundreds of locations, and yellow ribbons filled city centers. Polls consistently show most Israelis support a deal to bring the hostages home, even if it means a ceasefire.
Government hardliners insist ending the war before Hamas is destroyed would be surrender. Families say every day without a deal is another day loved ones remain underground.
The battle lines are clear: save the hostages now, or fight until Hamas is eliminated.
