Key Points:
- Tens of thousands protest against Netanyahu’s decision to resume airstrikes in Gaza.
- Public anger intensifies after dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
- Protesters accuse Netanyahu of endangering hostages and democracy for political survival.
- Polls indicate majority of Israelis now support Netanyahu’s resignation.
Jerusalem: Massive demonstrations have erupted across Israel, with tens of thousands of citizens flooding the streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial decisions, including resuming military strikes in Gaza and firing key security officials. The protests, some of the largest in recent months, reflect deepening public anger over what many see as Netanyahu’s prioritization of political survival over national security and democratic norms.
The latest wave of unrest began after Netanyahu’s government ended a nearly two-month ceasefire with Hamas, launching intensive airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday. The strikes targeted Hamas commanders and infrastructure but also heightened fears for the safety of 59 hostages still held captive by Hamas, approximately 24 of whom are believed alive. Families of hostages have sharply criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of recklessly endangering their loved ones’ lives for political gain.
Dismissal of Security Chiefs Fuels Outrage
Adding fuel to the fire, Netanyahu recently announced his intention to dismiss Shin Bet intelligence chief Ronen Bar and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. This unprecedented move sparked widespread condemnation, with critics accusing the prime minister of attempting to weaken state oversight bodies amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption involving his aides.
The decision triggered immediate backlash from prominent former security officials. Tamir Pardo, former head of Mossad, publicly labeled Netanyahu a “clear and present danger” to Israel’s security, accusing him of pushing the nation toward self-destruction. The “Defensive Shield Forum,” comprising former military and intelligence leaders, also condemned the dismissals as threats to Israeli democracy.
Clashes Between Protesters and Police
On Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, protesters marched toward Jerusalem carrying Israeli flags and banners demanding Netanyahu’s resignation. Police blocked major highways leading into the capital city and deployed water cannons to disperse crowds. Clashes erupted at several locations, resulting in at least 12 arrests.
Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Enough of the government of destruction” and “The time has come to topple the dictator,” reflecting widespread frustration over Netanyahu’s perceived authoritarian tendencies. Protest leaders accused him of prolonging conflict in Gaza solely to maintain support from far-right coalition partners ahead of an upcoming crucial budget vote.
Public Opinion Shifts Against Netanyahu
Recent polls reveal that public sentiment has turned sharply against Netanyahu. A Channel 12 poll indicated that approximately 60% of Israelis now support his resignation. Another survey by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 72.5% believe he should take responsibility for security failures related to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and step down either immediately or after the war concludes.
Political analysts suggest that if protests continue at this intensity, Netanyahu may struggle to retain power. Opposition parties are capitalizing on this momentum, strategizing ways to force a change in leadership.
As Israel faces mounting internal divisions alongside renewed violence in Gaza, the coming days will be critical in determining whether Netanyahu can weather this storm or if these mass protests will indeed usher in a new era for Israeli politics.
