Netanyahu Ends Ceasefire, Intensifying Israeli Divisions Over Gaza Captives Amid Ongoing War

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ended a ceasefire in March 2025, intensifying divisions in Israel over the fate of 59 Israeli captives in Gaza. The decision, criticized for reducing chances of their release, has led to protests, military dissent, and political infighting. The war, now in its 19th month, faces scrutiny over its continuation and Netanyahu's motives. Military morale is low, with reservists refusing duty. Public protests highlight the war's human toll and the government's perceived neglect of hostages. Netanyahu's coalition faces pressure, and international criticism mounts over Israel's military actions in Gaza.

Ceasefire Collapse and Captives' Fate

In March 2025, Netanyahu’s government abruptly ended a ceasefire that had been brokered with the potential to secure the release of remaining Israeli captives held by Hamas. The decision, made without consensus, has been widely criticized by families of the hostages and opposition figures who argue that the opportunity to bring their loved ones home was sacrificed for political and military escalation.

According to Israeli government figures, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 confirmed alive and 35 declared dead. The uncertainty surrounding the condition of the remaining captives has only deepened public anxiety. Former hostages released earlier this year have described harrowing conditions in captivity, including starvation and abuse, further fueling calls for a renewed focus on negotiations rather than military action.

Military Dissent and Reservist Refusals

The war’s continuation has led to a visible breakdown in morale within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). A wave of open letters from elite military units, including the air force, navy, and Mossad, has emerged in recent weeks, criticizing the government’s handling of the war and accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing personal and political interests over national security.

Reservist fatigue is also becoming a significant issue. Reports suggest that a growing number of reservists are refusing to report for duty, not out of ideological opposition, but due to exhaustion from repeated deployments. While official figures claim over 80% attendance, Israeli broadcaster Kan reported the actual figure may be closer to 60%. The organization New Profile, which supports conscientious objectors, noted that spikes in refusal often follow controversial government decisions, such as the termination of the ceasefire.

Public Protests and Civil Unrest

Public discontent has spilled into the streets. Earlier this month, thousands of Israelis gathered outside the Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv to protest Netanyahu’s decision to call up an additional 60,000 reservists. Demonstrators voiced anger over the war’s human toll—over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of them women and children—and the perceived abandonment of the hostages.

The divide has also reached the families of the captives, who have increasingly clashed with far-right politicians in parliament. Netanyahu has largely avoided meeting with these families, further straining relations. The lack of transparency and engagement has led to accusations that the government is sidelining the hostages’ plight in favor of military escalation.

Political Infighting and Coalition Pressures

Netanyahu’s war strategy has not only alienated the public and military but also caused rifts within his own government. Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, once a staunch ally, broke ranks over the prioritization of the captives. Gallant’s support for the war did not extend to the abandonment of negotiations, placing him at odds with Netanyahu. Both men now face arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.

The prime minister’s reliance on far-right coalition partners has further complicated the situation. These parties have made it clear that any end to the war short of total victory—including the destruction of Hamas and the occupation of Gaza—would lead to their withdrawal from the government, potentially collapsing Netanyahu’s fragile coalition. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly called for the complete destruction of Gaza and the forced relocation of its population, a stance that has drawn international condemnation.

International Criticism and Humanitarian Concerns

The international community has expressed alarm over Israel’s latest military plans. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that Israel’s strategy to expand its offensive, annex territory, and displace Gaza’s population threatens the very existence of Palestinians in the enclave. Türk emphasized that such actions would likely result in further mass displacement, civilian casualties, and the destruction of essential infrastructure.

Despite these warnings, the Israeli security cabinet recently approved a plan to establish a permanent military presence in Gaza until all war objectives are achieved. This includes the destruction of Hamas and the rescue of hostages, though critics argue that the latter goal has been deprioritized.

Domestic Inequality and Legal Challenges

The war has also reignited debates over military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community. The Israeli Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that the decades-long exemption was illegal, yet the government has failed to enforce the ruling. Netanyahu’s dependence on Haredi parties for coalition support has been cited as a reason for the inaction, further fueling resentment among secular Israelis and reservists who have served multiple tours.

The prime minister’s legal troubles add another layer to the crisis. Netanyahu is currently on trial for multiple corruption charges dating back to 2019. Critics argue that prolonging the war allows him to deflect attention from these proceedings and avoid political accountability for the government’s failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that triggered the conflict.

A Nation Divided

The cumulative effect of these developments is a deeply fractured Israeli society. Professor Yossi Mekelberg of Chatham House noted that while divisions in Israel are not new, the war has exacerbated them. “There’s such toxicity in public discourse,” he said, pointing to growing rifts between secular and religious communities, and even within religious factions.

The war’s toll is not only measured in lives lost and hostages held but also in the erosion of national unity. As reservists stay home, families protest in the streets, and political allies turn into adversaries, Netanyahu’s war decisions continue to polarize the nation.

References

• Netanyahu’s war choices fuel discord in Israel over captives’ fate in Gaza
• U.N. human rights chief: Israel’s new Gaza plan threatens Palestinians’ existence in Strip
• Trump ‘fed up’ with Netanyahu amid Gaza war: Report
• Q&A: What Does Netanyahu Plan for Gaza Occupation Mean for Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East? - EA WorldView
• Israel-Gaza war: Families of Hamas-held hostages share concerns
• Exterminating Gaza was always Israel’s plan, but now it’s official