Netanyahu's Departure Leaves Palestinians Out in the Cold

For the second time in two weeks, over 10,000 protesters in Tel Aviv, Israel took to the streets on February 18th to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstrations, which have been dubbed the “Israeli Spring,” have been sparked by the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other social issues.

The protests are being driven by a growing sense of frustration with Netanyahu’s policies, which are widely perceived as having favored a wealthy and powerful Jewish minority while neglecting the rights and needs of Palestinian citizens. With Netanyahu’s departure now looming, many are left wondering what the future holds for the Palestinian citizens of Israel and the occupied territories.

The most pressing concern of many Palestinians is that the new government will not address the numerous issues facing them, such as the lack of access to basic services, the increasing number of home demolitions, and widespread discrimination. Moreover, the government has failed to address the issues of Palestinian refugees, who have been denied their right to return to their homes since 1948.

The protesters have also expressed their concerns about the prospect of a power-sharing agreement between Netanyahu’s Likud Party and the ultra-nationalist Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu. Such an agreement would likely give Lieberman a great deal of influence over the government’s policy towards the Palestinians, and could mean that hard-won rights, such as the right to family reunification and the right of return, could be lost.

In addition to the political concerns, many Palestinians are also worried about the economic effects of Netanyahu’s departure. With the economy already reeling from the impact of the pandemic, many are concerned that the new government will cut social services and further reduce already low incomes.

As the “Israeli Spring” continues, Palestinians must hope that the new government will be more responsive to their needs and address the numerous issues that have been neglected under Netanyahu’s rule. Only then will they be able to take part in a more equitable and just society.