‘People are no longer in favor of war in Gaza’ – Israeli opposition leader

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said that the Gaza war no longer has the majority support of the Israeli public, so it is time to stop the war. He wrote on social media, “There was a basic condition in every Israeli war — a majority. If the majority of the people do not support the war, do not believe in its goals, or do not trust the leadership, then that war cannot be waged.” He added, “None of these three are present anymore. So it is time to end the war and return the hostages.” Lapid’s statement indicates that political and public divisions are growing in Israeli society over the Gaza war. On Tuesday (July 29), he said, “Israel must prevent a famine in Gaza – on the one hand, as a reflection of the values of the Jewish people, and on the other, to not support Hamas’s propaganda.” He warned, “If this situation does not change radically, sanctions will be imposed on Israel and Israeli citizens will pay the price.” Lapid added, “Every Israeli traveling abroad must now fear that they will be attacked.” Lapid’s statement sparked a heated debate in Israeli politics, with the government responding: “The full blockade will remain in place until the Hamas hostages are released.” The international community is now watching for a possible change in Israeli policy.