JERUSALEM :Benjamin Netanyahu might have expected better headlines on Wednesday from his high-profile talks with Donald Trump in Washington, as the US president pushes for an end to the Gaza war.But instead of plaudits, the Israeli prime minister faced mounting pressure to quickly wrap up the conflict back home, after five soldiers were killed in an ambush this week in the embattled Palestinian territory.
Monday night’s losses came as Netanyahu was on an official visit to the United States to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Trump.But even as he said a deal could be reached, frustration is growing among large swathes of the public at the perceived stagnation of the war, the rising military losses and the lack of progress in releasing the remaining hostages.
“It’s time to make history. Bring ALL the hostages home. End the war,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum wrote in a post on Truth Social directly addressed to Trump.”After 642 days, one more day, or week, or month, or two months, won’t really make a difference,” added columnist Raanan Shaked.
“There is still time. Go to Washington… Look busy, as you try to ‘bridge the gaps between the two sides’,” he wrote sarcastically in the Yediot Aharonot newspaper on Wednesday.Monday’s attack with improvised bombs came after seven soldiers were killed in their armoured vehicle on June 25, one of the deadliest attacks on Israeli forces in 21 months of war.
Since Israel launched a ground operation in Gaza in October 2023, 450 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the territory, according to an AFP tally based on army figures.
Domestic pressure mounts on Israel PM to end Gaza war
Published: July 10, 2025 | Updated 2 days ago
Domestic pressure mounts on Israel PM to end Gaza war
Published: July 10, 2025 | Updated 2 days ago
JERUSALEM :Benjamin Netanyahu might have expected better headlines on Wednesday from his high-profile talks with Donald Trump in Washington, as the US president pushes for an end to the Gaza war.But instead of plaudits, the Israeli prime minister faced mounting pressure to quickly wrap up the conflict back home, after five soldiers were killed in an ambush this week in the embattled Palestinian territory.
Monday night’s losses came as Netanyahu was on an official visit to the United States to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Trump.But even as he said a deal could be reached, frustration is growing among large swathes of the public at the perceived stagnation of the war, the rising military losses and the lack of progress in releasing the remaining hostages.
“It’s time to make history. Bring ALL the hostages home. End the war,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum wrote in a post on Truth Social directly addressed to Trump.”After 642 days, one more day, or week, or month, or two months, won’t really make a difference,” added columnist Raanan Shaked.
“There is still time. Go to Washington… Look busy, as you try to ‘bridge the gaps between the two sides’,” he wrote sarcastically in the Yediot Aharonot newspaper on Wednesday.Monday’s attack with improvised bombs came after seven soldiers were killed in their armoured vehicle on June 25, one of the deadliest attacks on Israeli forces in 21 months of war.
Since Israel launched a ground operation in Gaza in October 2023, 450 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the territory, according to an AFP tally based on army figures.