Gaza war sparks bigger divides inside Israel

Israel’s war in Gaza, now in its twenty-second month, has deepened political and cultural divides, even turning friends and families against each other.

In Israel, families of hostages and peace activists are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas and secure the release of the remaining captives taken during the October 2023 attacks. At the same time, some right-wing members of Netanyahu’s government want to expand Israeli control over Palestinian land, despite global criticism. This divide has created deep tensions in society and weakened unity during the country’s longest war.

Peace gatherings in Tel Aviv have sparked arguments among citizens. While some support ending the war, others believe it should continue until Hamas releases the hostages. According to a recent survey, most Israelis blame Hamas for delaying a deal. Only 24 percent of Jewish citizens say they are deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN has reported extreme hunger and civilian deaths.

Hostage families accuse Netanyahu of extending the war for political gain. Many believe the military goals were already achieved, and continuing the war now only causes more harm. Over 500 former Israeli officials — including ex-generals, spies, and diplomats — recently sent a letter to the US president, asking him to pressure Netanyahu to focus on a hostage deal. They warned that the war is damaging Israel’s security and global image.

Veteran peace activists, former soldiers, and ordinary citizens now question the war’s purpose. Some worry that Israeli soldiers may face international war crimes charges in the future. As the war passes 667 days, Israel remains divided — not just politically, but within families and communities — over how and when this conflict should end.