Mass Protests Erupt in Israel Amid Calls for General Strike
Hundreds of thousands rally against government policies, demanding the release of hostages and an end to military actions.
In one of the largest demonstrations seen since the onset of the war in Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday, marking the sixth consecutive day of protests.
Demonstrators are calling for the prioritization of the release of hostages, an end to military operations, and the reversal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to dismiss the head of the Israel Security Agency, Ronen Bar, alongside calls for the removal of the government's legal adviser.
Economic leaders and university heads have threatened a general strike, while former military leaders have urged civil disobedience.
Observers note a significant escalation in public dissent against Netanyahu's policies.
Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition, spoke at a rally in Tel Aviv, stating that if the government fails to comply with a ruling from the Israeli Supreme Court to freeze Bar's dismissal, a general strike would be initiated, crippling the economy along with tax revolts.
He urged citizens to take to the streets, asserting that such action is the only way to compel Netanyahu to reconsider his decisions.
Clashes were reported during protests in Jerusalem, where participants expressed outrage over the dismissal of Bar and the continuation of military engagements in Gaza.
According to reports, the Supreme Court is scheduled to review petitions against Bar’s dismissal on April 8.
Despite widespread opposition to Netanyahu's move to remove Bar, which many critics allege undermines democratic principles, Netanyahu issued a defiant statement late Saturday claiming Bar will no longer serve as head of the Israel Security Agency.
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted Bar’s dismissal pending the outcome of legal challenges.
Union leaders have emphasized their readiness to disrupt the economy should Netanyahu continue to challenge the rule of law by dismissing Bar and withdrawing support for the legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, who has asserted that there is no legal basis for Bar's dismissal.
Concerns have also been raised by the families of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas, who have appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for intervention to secure the release of their loved ones while cautioning him against what they term a 'trap' laid by Netanyahu.
Yifat Kalderon, a relative of a released hostage stated, 'Netanyahu is orchestrating a horrendous deception that influences the American administration.' She urged Trump to prioritize the rescuing of hostages over military objectives.
Yehuda Cohen, a parent of one of the missing soldiers, addressed the gathering by reiterating the ongoing anguish of families with hostages languishing in Gaza, marking 533 days since their captivity.
Cohen criticized Netanyahu’s alleged disregard for the hostages’ plight, urging a national outcry.
Doron Steinberg, a former hostage, recounted her harrowing experiences, expressing disbelief that a government elected by the people would choose to escalate military conflict despite pleas for peace.
Approximately 100,000 individuals participated in the protests, with gatherings reported in major cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be'er Sheva.
As demonstrations continued, Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, called for opposition unity against Netanyahu's government, emphasizing that now is not the time for political calculations but for forming a strong and stable democratic front.
In a united voice, city mayors and local leaders also stressed their opposition to any violation of Supreme Court mandates, asserting their commitment to uphold the law.
The calls for continued protests echoed through the crowds, highlighting a collective determination to force policy changes in the face of the ongoing conflict.
Demonstrators are calling for the prioritization of the release of hostages, an end to military operations, and the reversal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to dismiss the head of the Israel Security Agency, Ronen Bar, alongside calls for the removal of the government's legal adviser.
Economic leaders and university heads have threatened a general strike, while former military leaders have urged civil disobedience.
Observers note a significant escalation in public dissent against Netanyahu's policies.
Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition, spoke at a rally in Tel Aviv, stating that if the government fails to comply with a ruling from the Israeli Supreme Court to freeze Bar's dismissal, a general strike would be initiated, crippling the economy along with tax revolts.
He urged citizens to take to the streets, asserting that such action is the only way to compel Netanyahu to reconsider his decisions.
Clashes were reported during protests in Jerusalem, where participants expressed outrage over the dismissal of Bar and the continuation of military engagements in Gaza.
According to reports, the Supreme Court is scheduled to review petitions against Bar’s dismissal on April 8.
Despite widespread opposition to Netanyahu's move to remove Bar, which many critics allege undermines democratic principles, Netanyahu issued a defiant statement late Saturday claiming Bar will no longer serve as head of the Israel Security Agency.
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted Bar’s dismissal pending the outcome of legal challenges.
Union leaders have emphasized their readiness to disrupt the economy should Netanyahu continue to challenge the rule of law by dismissing Bar and withdrawing support for the legal adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, who has asserted that there is no legal basis for Bar's dismissal.
Concerns have also been raised by the families of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas, who have appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for intervention to secure the release of their loved ones while cautioning him against what they term a 'trap' laid by Netanyahu.
Yifat Kalderon, a relative of a released hostage stated, 'Netanyahu is orchestrating a horrendous deception that influences the American administration.' She urged Trump to prioritize the rescuing of hostages over military objectives.
Yehuda Cohen, a parent of one of the missing soldiers, addressed the gathering by reiterating the ongoing anguish of families with hostages languishing in Gaza, marking 533 days since their captivity.
Cohen criticized Netanyahu’s alleged disregard for the hostages’ plight, urging a national outcry.
Doron Steinberg, a former hostage, recounted her harrowing experiences, expressing disbelief that a government elected by the people would choose to escalate military conflict despite pleas for peace.
Approximately 100,000 individuals participated in the protests, with gatherings reported in major cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be'er Sheva.
As demonstrations continued, Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, called for opposition unity against Netanyahu's government, emphasizing that now is not the time for political calculations but for forming a strong and stable democratic front.
In a united voice, city mayors and local leaders also stressed their opposition to any violation of Supreme Court mandates, asserting their commitment to uphold the law.
The calls for continued protests echoed through the crowds, highlighting a collective determination to force policy changes in the face of the ongoing conflict.
