Disputing Assertion of Unanimous Support among Grieving Parents for Economic Strike Shutdown
In a surprising turn of events, families of hostages and bereaved families in Israel have found themselves at odds over a proposed nationwide shutdown. The controversy began when Channel 12 News reported on August 17 that families of hostages, families in Gaza, and bereaved families declared a plan to shut down Israel's economy.
However, it appears that the report may have been somewhat misleading. While families of hostages have indeed declared an economic strike over the Gaza conquest plan, not all bereaved families support this move. Ofra Lax, whose son Nave was killed in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, asked for a correction in the Channel 12 News report, stating that it is not correct to say that families of hostages or bereaved families declared the plan. Laly Dery, whose son Saadia fell in battle in Gaza, also clarified that her family has not declared any strike, assuming she is not the only one.
The report's claim has partial basis regarding bereaved families linked to hostages opposing political plans via shutdown, but the large economic shutdown is due to military conflict consequences rather than solely protest action. The 12-day war with Iran, triggered by Israel's surprise attack on Iran's nuclear sites in June 2025, has caused a near-complete shutdown of commercial activity and severely impacted private consumption and investment, leading to a 3.5% annualized GDP contraction in Q2 2025.
Yossi Cohen, whose son was a hostage, expressed sharp criticism toward the "October Council" leading the call to halt economic activity in protest for the hostages' release. Cohen argued that the economic strike would not bring back the hostages but would harm Israeli citizens and potentially the hostages themselves. Cohen also accused the strike organizers of betraying those they claim to represent, stating that some among the hostage families are acting out of political motives rather than genuine concern.
Software giants are planning to join the economic strike aimed at forcing an end to the war. Cohen, however, stressed his belief that only military action can secure the hostages' release. A Palestinian-American mediator has cut ties with the US negotiating team, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the proposed nationwide shutdown has divided the bereaved families and hostage families in Israel. The debate continues as both sides express their concerns and hopes for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
- The debate among bereaved families in Israel over a proposed nationwide shutdown is not solely about political policies, but rather stems from the impact of war and conflicts, as exemplified by the 12-day war with Iran in June 2025 that has led to a near-complete shutdown of commercial activity.
- While some bereaved families, such as those linked to hostages, may participate in protests against political plans via shutdown, the large-scale economic shutdown is primarily a result of the devastating consequences of military conflicts.
