Netanyahu Faces Protests at Nir Oz Visit

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Kibbutz Nir Oz for the first time since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, in which nearly a quarter of the kibbutz's residents were killed or abducted. The visit came amid heightened criticism over his delayed appearance and his government's handling of the aftermath and hostage crisis. Netanyahu was met with both protests and emotional pleas from residents and families of hostages, who demanded stronger action to secure the release of those still held in Gaza and to rebuild the community. During the visit, Netanyahu pledged a deep commitment to bringing all hostages home and to rehabilitating Nir Oz, promising to streamline reconstruction efforts. Demonstrators at the kibbutz accused Netanyahu of abandonment and corruption, demanding accountability. The visit underscored ongoing tensions in Israel regarding the government's response to the attack and the continuing conflict in Gaza.