What it’s about

Mourners expressed their fury towards Israeli government ministers during the funeral for the 10 children and young people killed in a Hezbollah rocket strike at a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams. The attack, which also injured dozens, has brought to the surface intense frustration and calls for decisive action.

Why it matters

This tragedy underscores the ongoing threat Hezbollah poses to Israeli civilians and highlights the immense pressure on the Israeli government to provide security and a robust response to terror activities. The outpouring of anger from the community reflects a deep-seated desire for effective action and protection.

What they’re saying

A mourner in a military uniform angrily confronted Housing Minister Nir Barkat and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman. “Now you come here? Ten months you didn’t come!” he exclaimed, earning applause from attendees. He questioned the government’s seeming inaction towards Hezbollah by contrasting it with responses to other regional threats. “One drone hits Tel Aviv and you turn Yemen upside down! Why is Beirut still there?” he shouted.

This sentiment is echoed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has been a vocal proponent of tougher measures against Hezbollah. However, even he faced criticism as he tried to address the mourning crowd. “We want quiet and we don’t get it!” shouted another resident. The sense of frustration culminated in direct accusations of racism against Smotrich and Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, whom a mourner partially blamed for the attack.

Context

Last week’s major Israeli airstrike on Yemen’s Hodeida port followed a deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv, believed to be instigated by the Iranian-backed Houthi group. Meanwhile, Majdal Shams has experienced months of shelling, adding to residents’ distress. This context feeds into the broader security dynamics at Israel’s borders and the ongoing regional threats.

Behind the scenes

The situation was further exacerbated by a reported request from Yasser Gadban, chairman of the Forum of Druze and Circassian Authorities, asking government officials to avoid the funerals to maintain the ceremony’s decorum and respect Druze customs. However, the appearance of several politicians turned the feelings of loss into a politically charged atmosphere.

Opposition views

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid also made a visit to Majdal Shams. He emphasized collective accountability and the moral responsibility of the state to protect its children. “The children who died in this soccer field could have been any of our children,” Lapid noted. He acknowledged the failure of the government to ensure security and issued a heartfelt apology, promising robust retaliation that will have significant reverberations across the Middle East.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.