Israel’s Divisions Deepen, as Hostage Killings Set Off Strikes and Protests

Israel’s political divide deepened Monday, as cities were hit by a national strike and people took to the streets to protest the government’s failure to reach a deal to free hostages held by Hamas.

Tensions spiked after authorities said over the weekend that the Palestinian militant group had killed six hostages in captivity. Many Israelis said they felt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders had in effect condemned them to certain death. Tens of thousands of Israelis marched in the streets Sunday night and protests continued on Monday night, as four of the six dead hostages were laid to rest.

Netanyahu dug in during a televised address Monday night, arguing he wouldn’t back down from his insistence that Israeli troops remain along the border between Gaza and Egypt to prevent future wars with Hamas. Negotiators have said the demand has stalled a deal that would free many of the remaining hostages in exchange for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel’s cabinet affirmed Netanyahu’s position in a vote last week.

“I won’t surrender to this pressure. Our nation won’t surrender to this pressure. And I’m telling [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar, forget it. It won’t happen,” he said.

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