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Occupied Jerusalem: Signs of divisions have begun appearing in Israeli public opinion following the human and moral losses resulting from the Israeli war on Lebanon.
The Israeli government has begun losing the strong support it enjoyed, from both right and left wings, especially after many soldiers were killed by Hezbollah during the fighting in Bint Jbeil. "Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government, which receives strong support from the right wing, is leading Israel into a pool of blood in Lebanon. This war has exceeded the national consensus," Ron Cohen, of Merts Movement, told Gulf News. "It is time for humanitarian and leftist movements to take to the streets and participate in anti-war demonstrations, to help the Prime Minister and Defence Minister recover their senses."
Meanwhile, about 20 activists, including former members of the Four Mothers Movement, have established a new group called Waking Up On Time. The Four Mothers Movement stopped its activities following the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000. It was very active, and had a great impact on Israelis. "After two weeks of fighting in Lebanon, we realised there is no choice we have to wake the public once again," said Ronti, 27, a student from Kfar Saba. "I hope this movement will help wake up Israelis before it is too late and before we sink in the Lebanese quagmire once again before the angel of death prevails in this region," Ronti said. Ronti who lost friends in the first war in Lebanon, said: "Every day we wait, we will pay its price, and today we have to raise our voices loudly that Israel must leave Lebanon immediately." "I never thought and never believed that we would enter Lebanon again. Leaving Lebanon is the best thing that happened to our country," she said. The Four Mothers movement was only for women, but Waking Up On Time will be a movement of everyone, women and men, young and old, Ronti added. Israelis reacted angrily to the movement because they think it is better for Israelis to support the government during war and postpone discussions as Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud Party, had said.
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