Israel’s military confirmed on Saturday that eight soldiers were killed in southern Gaza, marking the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months.
The soldiers died in an explosion, as per the army’s statement, although no further details were provided. These casualties are likely to increase calls for a cease-fire and amplify Israeli public frustration over exemptions for ultra-Orthodox individuals from military service.
Back in January, 21 Israeli troops were killed in a single attack by Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Recently, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled to halt government subsidies for many ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve in the military. While a new draft law is pending, the Prime Minister’s coalition approved an extension of exemptions for religious men, sparking controversy amidst an ongoing war with hundreds of soldiers casualties in Gaza and battles against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Yoav Gallant, Israel’s Defense Minister and member of the War Cabinet, emphasized the importance of all sectors of Israeli society contributing equally during the war against Hamas militants in Gaza.
The Israeli coalition government includes influential ultra-Orthodox parties that have been long-standing allies of Netanyahu. If these parties withdraw from the government, new elections could be triggered, with Netanyahu trailing in the polls during the ongoing conflict.
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In Tel Aviv, protests against the government have been ongoing for months, with demands for the hostages’ immediate return and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation.
Israel’s attacks and ground operations in Gaza have resulted in over 37,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health officials, with a majority being civilians. The conflict has displaced 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, causing hunger due to restricted access to humanitarian aid.
The Israeli campaign was launched after incursions by Hamas and militants on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. Cease-fire negotiations have not yet reached a resolution, with proposed changes to a U.S.-backed plan. Hamas seeks a permanent cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as conditions for releasing the remaining hostages.
Violence in the West Bank persists, with a 16-year-old Palestinian shot dead by Israeli forces near Nablus on Saturday, as reported by the Health Ministry in Ramallah.
