A coalition of hostage families and protesters against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s moves against the judiciary and parts of the security establishment is coming together again after war returned to Gaza. Tens of thousands demonstrated on Tuesday night, with more protests taking place on Wednesday.
Netanyahu’s decision to resume the war in Gaza has added fresh fuel to the anger of protesters, who accuse the government of continuing the war for political reasons. The prime minister had announced that he would sack Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, sparking widespread outrage among critics.
Protest groups range from former defence and security officials to families of hostages in Gaza. Critics see Netanyahu as a danger to Israel’s democracy, with some calling for new elections amid continuing public anger over past security failures.
The return of extreme hardliner Itamar Ben Gvir to the government has bolstered Netanyahu’s coalition, but critics argue that the decision to dismiss Bar was made for political reasons. The move has sparked condemnation from Arab countries, Europe and the United Nations, which have accused Israel of breaching a truce in Gaza.
Opinion polls suggest that most Israelis want to end the war and bring home the hostages, who are believed to be alive in Gaza. However, with Netanyahu’s position strengthened by Ben Gvir’s return, there is little sign of immediate threat to his government from the protests.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-opposition-netanyahu-finds-voice-war-returns-gaza-2025-03-19