A substantial majority, exceeding 70%, of respondents in a poll conducted by Channel 12 expressed their belief that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should relinquish his position.
The poll revealed that nearly three-quarters of Israelis, representing 72% of respondents, favor Netanyahu’s resignation, citing his government’s shortcomings during the October 7 Hamas attack. Among those advocating for his departure, 44% maintain that he should step down immediately, while 28% propose that he resign once the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) complete their military operation in Gaza.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, Israeli citizens have consistently organized demonstrations against Netanyahu, demanding a ceasefire and urging the government to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
On October 7, Hamas and allied Palestinian militants launched a surprise assault on Israeli military bases, cities, and rural communities. In numerous locations, the IDF appeared to be caught off guard and overwhelmed, leaving civilians to either defend themselves or flee.
The Israeli media have characterized the attack as a “devastating intelligence failure,” with Channel 12 reporting that the army neglected proper maintenance of a signal system at the Gaza border. The New York Times reported in November that Israeli intelligence and military officials obtained Hamas’ plan for the October 7 incursion more than a year in advance but dismissed it as too improbable to be realized.
On Thursday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called for the establishment of a state commission to investigate the failures in the response to the October 7 attack. However, Netanyahu contends that such an investigation should be initiated only after the war concludes.