(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The protest, which began a few weeks ago when students pitched tents in Tel Aviv to protest at skyrocketing rental fees, mushroomed into a revolt by the middle classes and professionals who claim working families can barely make ends meet.
Spontaneous, amorphous and shunning identification with any of Israel’s political parties, the activists last week formulated a list of specific demands: a cut in indirect taxes; construction of public housing; a limit on monopolies; and free education.
Stav Shafir, one of the founders of the tent protest, told the Tel Aviv demonstration, “We are not asking to change the prime minister; we are asking to change the system.” Polls show massive public support for the protest movement and although the government led by Mr Netanyahu was in no immediate danger, it was clear that such large protests meant the authorities could no longer ignore the social protest movement.
Some ministers had dismissed the activists as “guitar-playing, sushi-eating anarchists” determined to bring down the government. Yesterday Mr Netanyahu appointed a panel of ministers, economic experts and business people to meet the protest leaders in intensive round-table discussions. The body will draw up proposals to be presented to the government for approval next month.
Mr Netanyahu said it is impossible to ignore the voices coming from the public and the aim of the government was to provide genuine solutions, rather than cosmetic change. “We are aware of the fact that working couples with children are finding it difficult to finish the month. We recognise the plight of students who cannot pay their rent. We are aware of the distress of the residents of poorer neighbourhoods, of discharged soldiers and others.”
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