by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, the renewed war in Gaza, and his plans to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
Around 40,000 demonstrators gathered at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for prioritizing political survival over national security amid his aides’ alleged ties with Qatar.
Prominent figures like ex-Mossad head Tamir Pardo and former police chief Roni Alsheich condemned his policies, with Pardo calling the conflict a “peace for Netanyahu war” and Alsheich challenging the use of Qatar as a mediator, suggesting it helps maintain Hamas’ power. Families of hostages also demanded action to secure the return of their loved ones.
By Wednesday morning, protesters marched toward Jerusalem, blocking the main highway and carrying Israeli flags and yellow banners for the hostages. Signs declared “Democracy is in danger” and “There is no victory without the hostages.” Opposition Leader Yair Lapid urged nationwide protests, saying Israelis should “stand firm against a government that is trying to dismantle the country.”
The large demonstration against the government coincided with the resumption of conflict in Gaza and growing public anger over Netanyahu’s efforts to remove Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
Critics view these actions by Netanyahu as retaliation against investigations into alleged ties between Netanyahu’s aides and Qatari officials.
Netanyahu on Monday accused the attorney general of exceeding her authority and refuted claims that the firing of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was connected to an investigation into alleged illegal money transfers from Doha to three aides, initiated by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
Netanyahu’s supporters attribute the protest to Israel’s “Deep State,” highlighting that it was orchestrated by the group “Protective Wall for Israel.” This group describes itself as a collective of 169 former top officials from the military, police, Mossad, and Shin Bet.
As Israeli troops initiated targeted ground operations in Gaza, freed hostages warned that continued military action jeopardizes the remaining captives. Former hostage Sasha Troufanov emphasized, “The hostages … are not posters, they’re people, and their time is running out.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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