Thousands Protest Against Netanyahu in Jerusalem Amid Rising Tensions
Demonstrators decry government actions and military strikes in Gaza as the political crisis deepens.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Jerusalem on Wednesday, expressing their dissent against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced accusations of undermining democracy and conducting military operations in Gaza without consideration for hostages.
The demonstration, which marked the largest gathering in Jerusalem in recent months, took place near the Knesset, where participants chanted slogans such as "You are the head, and you’re to blame" and "The blood is on your hands." The rally was organized by opposition groups amid growing discontent over Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, a move that has raised concerns about a potential political crisis.
Following Netanyahu's announcement, the Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes on Gaza, described as the deadliest since the onset of a fragile ceasefire in January.
Among the demonstrators were relatives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, who articulated fears that renewed military actions could jeopardize their loved ones.
"We hope all people from Israel will join this movement and we will not stop until we restore democracy and freedom for the hostages," said Zeev Berar, a 68-year-old attendee from Tel Aviv.
Participants displayed banners declaring, "We are all hostages," as relatives of captives emphasized that military operations could lead to the sacrifice of those still detained.
As of now, out of 251 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, 58 remain in Gaza, with 34 reported deceased by the Israeli military.
Protesters have criticized Netanyahu for allegedly utilizing the conflict with Hamas to distract from pressing domestic political challenges.
The Prime Minister has resisted calls for a national commission to investigate the events surrounding the October attacks, while his efforts to dismiss Bar have raised alarms about further political instability.
Recent actions by Netanyahu’s administration, including attempts to remove Israel's attorney general and government judiciary adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, have drawn scrutiny, particularly in the context of the contentious judicial reform proposals of 2023, which aimed to limit the powers of the Supreme Court.
Many citizens have expressed feelings of unease and urgency, with one 55-year-old protester, Yael Baron from Modiin, stating, "I feel as though we are in the 99th minute and time is running out to save the country, the oxygen is running out for us, like democracy is running out."
The demonstration, which marked the largest gathering in Jerusalem in recent months, took place near the Knesset, where participants chanted slogans such as "You are the head, and you’re to blame" and "The blood is on your hands." The rally was organized by opposition groups amid growing discontent over Netanyahu’s decision to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, a move that has raised concerns about a potential political crisis.
Following Netanyahu's announcement, the Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes on Gaza, described as the deadliest since the onset of a fragile ceasefire in January.
Among the demonstrators were relatives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, who articulated fears that renewed military actions could jeopardize their loved ones.
"We hope all people from Israel will join this movement and we will not stop until we restore democracy and freedom for the hostages," said Zeev Berar, a 68-year-old attendee from Tel Aviv.
Participants displayed banners declaring, "We are all hostages," as relatives of captives emphasized that military operations could lead to the sacrifice of those still detained.
As of now, out of 251 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, 58 remain in Gaza, with 34 reported deceased by the Israeli military.
Protesters have criticized Netanyahu for allegedly utilizing the conflict with Hamas to distract from pressing domestic political challenges.
The Prime Minister has resisted calls for a national commission to investigate the events surrounding the October attacks, while his efforts to dismiss Bar have raised alarms about further political instability.
Recent actions by Netanyahu’s administration, including attempts to remove Israel's attorney general and government judiciary adviser, Gali Baharav-Miara, have drawn scrutiny, particularly in the context of the contentious judicial reform proposals of 2023, which aimed to limit the powers of the Supreme Court.
Many citizens have expressed feelings of unease and urgency, with one 55-year-old protester, Yael Baron from Modiin, stating, "I feel as though we are in the 99th minute and time is running out to save the country, the oxygen is running out for us, like democracy is running out."
