Victory From The Streets

Ever since the beginning of the recent demonstrations on the streets of Tel Aviv, the public began to sense a growing sense of power. As time went by, week after week, the demonstrations grew bigger in size and spread across the country. The demonstrators certainly had some help from the media, who were more than happy to televise any and all loud protestors in search of the next sensational headline. The loudest voices in the crowd were rewarded with a microphone in their face, as they were encouraged to speak up. There is little doubt as to where the media stands in their support for the opposition. As the antigovernment demonstrations got full coverage, the opposition got louder and bolder.

It is now apparent that Netanyahu miscalculated the power gathering in the streets, as he continued to forge ahead with his majority vote in the Knesset. As it appears now, it turned out to be the most widespread antigovernment demonstration in Israel’s history. Demonstrators were able to shut down a great deal of Israel’s workforce, reaching all the way to the airport and army reserves.

It seems to me that these demonstrations are not going to stop following Bibi’s announcement to pause judicial reform. Rather, the opposition will keep pressing until they reach their ultimate goal: to topple this government. This will most certainly be a first for Israel, when the power of the streets overtakes the elected government.