Netanyahu Faces Criticism as Gaza Rocket Barrage Continues - 5 injured

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership is under scrutiny after a fresh rocket barrage from Gaza resulted in injuries and damage in southern Israel. This marks the heaviest firing since the resumption of hostilities, with at least three individuals reported injured in Ashkelon. Despite the new violence, Netanyahu's immediate response focused more on internal political tensions than the ongoing threat from Hamas.

The rocket fire came from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, with Hamas claiming responsibility for the attack. At least 10 rockets were launched, with five intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system. In Ashkelon, three individuals sustained minor injuries from rocket debris, and damage occurred to several vehicles. Police teams were deployed to manage the fallout from falling interception fragments. While residents of Ashkelon reported intense explosions and near-misses, one local, Liz, shared her shock, recalling how she narrowly avoided the blast while trying to take shelter.

Netanyahu's Focus Shifted to Shin Bet Controversy

Despite the ongoing rocket fire, Netanyahu's attention appeared diverted. Shortly after the attack, he issued a harsh statement accusing the Shin Bet of corruption, specifically targeting the agency's Jewish division under the leadership of Ronen Bar. The statement, issued while Netanyahu was en route to Washington, centered on recent revelations about blackmail and threats involving police officer Avishai Muallem. Netanyahu alleged that Muallem had been coerced into making false arrests against Israeli citizens, claiming that the actions of the Shin Bet's leadership were undermining Israel's law enforcement.

Response to Rocket Fire: Netanyahu Orders Retaliation

After criticism for not addressing the rocket attack immediately, Netanyahu's office clarified that the Prime Minister had been informed of the situation and had ordered a strong response. A statement confirmed that Netanyahu had spoken to Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, who briefed him on the developments. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later announced that they had targeted the launcher responsible for the rocket fire and ordered evacuations in Deir al-Balah as part of their ongoing military operations.

Netanyahu's handling of the situation drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Benny Gantz, leader of the State Camp, questioned the government's ability to prioritize national security over internal political squabbles, stating, "The government is more focused on dismantling itself than defeating Hamas." Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu's response to both the violence and the ongoing hostage crisis, tweeting, "59 kidnapped in Gaza. 10 launches from Gaza. And a prime minister on a cruise on the Danube. The government destroyed the country, abandoned the citizens, and must resign."

A Year and a Half of War: Hostages and Rocket Attacks 

The latest escalation comes as Israel marks a year and a half since the war with Hamas began. Despite government promises of victory, rockets continue to be fired from Gaza, and the hostage situation remains unresolved. Yair Golan, former deputy commander of the IDF, condemned the government's failure to achieve security, stating, "This is a failure. This is a government of neglect. Netanyahu is incapable of winning."

As Israel contemplates its next steps in the war, the public is increasingly divided over the leadership's response to both internal corruption scandals and the continuing threat from Hamas. The ongoing rocket fire and the unresolved fate of the 59 hostages held in Gaza continue to challenge Netanyahu's administration, with opposition leaders calling for a change in leadership.