Emerging Antiwar Sentiments Gain Ground Across Israel

During a recent week-long visit to Israel, despite the ongoing and intense conflict in Gaza, there were unmistakable signs of a shifting sentiment among Israelis. While it remains too early to declare the rise of a widespread antiwar movement—something likely contingent on the return of all Israeli hostages—there is a noticeable increase in voices across the political spectrum expressing that the continuation of this war could prove disastrous for Israel, whether morally, diplomatically, or strategically.

From the political center, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert openly criticized the current administration led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a candid essay, Olmert described the Israeli government's efforts as a war lacking clear objectives, planning, or prospects for success. He condemned the military actions in Gaza as a campaign of indiscriminate and relentless violence against civilians, labeling it a war of extermination. Olmert concluded that such actions constitute war crimes.

Voices from the right also reveal internal dissent. Amit Halevi, a member of Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party known for his strong pro-war stance, has criticized the handling of the conflict. Following his vote against extending emergency call-up orders for reservists, he faced suspension from the Knesset’s foreign affairs and defense committee. Halevi described the war as a deception, asserting that the public was misled about its achievements and that Israel has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with ineffective strategies, failing to dismantle Hamas.

On the left, Yair Golan, leader of the liberal Democrats alliance, warned that Israel risks becoming an international pariah, drawing parallels to apartheid South Africa if it continues its current trajectory. In an interview, Golan emphasized that a responsible state does not target civilians, kill children intentionally, or seek to forcibly displace populations.

Following backlash over his choice of words, Golan—himself recognized for his military service during the Gaza conflict—clarified that his criticism was directed at political leaders prolonging the war for reasons divorced from Israel’s core security interests, rather than the armed forces.

The absence of independent foreign journalists reporting directly from Gaza has limited international understanding of the conflict’s full impact. Once the war concludes and media access improves, the widespread devastation and loss of life are expected to be fully documented, potentially intensifying the challenges faced by Israel and the global Jewish community.