In Jerusalem, police dispersed a smaller demonstration opposing what protesters called Israel’s “ongoing genocide.” According to reports, further rallies are also being planned for this week.
Former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo addressed the Tel Aviv crowd, accusing Netanyahu of “abandoning the hostages” to appease far-right supporters and preserve his government.
“We will never forget or forgive,” he said, as protesters interrupted with chants of “traitor.” Netanyahu’s opponents claim he ended the ceasefire at the behest of an ultranationalist party threatening to topple his coalition.
Far-right minister returns
Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of ultra-nationalist, anti-Arab Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, rejoined Netanyahu’s coalition on Wednesday as national security minister after quitting in January over the now-shattered ceasefire.
Netanyahu pledged Israel would continue its campaign “until all war aims are met,” namely the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages captured in the group’s October 2023 attack, which sparked the ongoing conflict.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said over 400 people, including 183 children and 94 women, were killed in Israel’s latest barrage – described as the deadliest day in Gaza since the war began.
Israel has denied allegations of disproportionate force, citing national security and the need to protect its citizens.
Judicial concerns and comparisons to Poland
Demonstrations also targeted Netanyahu’s push to control the judiciary. Israeli protesters frequently compare these legal changes to developments in Poland’s judiciary, telling local media they fear similar “erosion of judicial independence.”
In Jerusalem, police forcefully broke up a rally by “Free Jerusalem,” a group accusing Israel of war crimes in Gaza.
In Haifa, three people were arrested at two separate gatherings. Despite rising criticism, many Israelis demand a decisive confrontation with Hamas, with one journalist telling RMF FM: “We need to protect our children—there’s no other path.”
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Source: Associated Press, Reuters, RMF24, AFP