Massive protests against Israeli Prime Minister as war returns to Gaza

Netanyahu’s decision to resume the war and bomb Gaza, while 59 hostages are still being held (of whom around 24 are believed to be alive), has fueled anger among protesters, who accuse the government of prolonging the war for political purposes.

Tens of thousands of people protested on Tuesday evening and protests continued on Wednesday, after Netanyahu announced over the weekend that he had lost confidence in Ronen Bar, the head of Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet, and decided to fire him.

"This war is no longer about a legitimate goal. It's only about the survival of this government , the survival of Benjamin Netanyahu," said Koren Offer, a protester in Jerusalem.

The protest movement this time brought together various groups, including the "Defense Shield" Forum - an organization of former security officials, the Movement for Clean Government - an anti-corruption group that led protests against judicial reform in 2023, along with families of hostages in Gaza.

The opposition says Mr Netanyahu - who has served as prime minister six times - is a threat to Israeli democracy.

Protesters near Jerusalem. Photo: X/Alon Banki

"This government knows no limits," Yair Lapid, former prime minister and leader of the centrist opposition party Yesh Atid, said on social media X. "Enough! I call on everyone - this is the decisive moment, this is our future. Take to the streets!"

While Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition remains strong, he has successfully dealt with the protests and avoided calling for early elections. Polls suggest that if elections are held, Netanyahu would likely lose, as people remain angry over the massive security failures that led to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Mr Netanyahu still faces a lengthy trial on corruption charges, which he denies. Political opponents frequently accuse him of exploiting the security situation to delay or avoid legal trouble.

Israel's new air campaign on the Gaza Strip has killed hundreds of Palestinians, sparking a wave of criticism from Arab countries, Europe and the United Nations.

Polls in Israel show that a majority of people want to end the war and bring the hostages back.

Cao Phong (according to AJ, Reuters, CNN)