"We need to start a revolution against this government. But how?" asked Miri Rozovsky, 57, who summed up the question now running through the part of Israeli society angry with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and its refusal to end the war in the Gaza Strip to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023. The government's announcement on Friday, August 8, of a progressive occupation of the Palestinian enclave – under Israeli military assault for almost two years – sent shockwaves through the thousands who have rallied in solidarity with the hostages every Saturday.

How can fear be turned into action? "Strike," said Rozovsky, standing in front of Tel Aviv square where, as is the case every weekend, a gathering began on Saturday, August 9. Tomer Pelts, a 22-year-old student, agreed: "We have to toughen the movement because the government does not listen to Israelis. If we need to go as far as a strike, we will." Dan, a 60-year-old tech executive and former special forces member, holding candles and declining to give his last name, echoed the sentiment: "Strike. Or else civil resistance. Because no one wants to occupy Gaza. We know the moral, financial, and human cost."

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