Mass Israeli Protest in Tel Aviv Against Netanyahu Over Ongoing Gaza Assault

Mass Israeli Protest in Tel Aviv Against Netanyahu Over Ongoing Gaza Assault

Tel Aviv, Israel — Thousands of Israeli citizens gathered Saturday night in front of the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv to protest the ongoing war in Gaza and to demand the release of captives held there.

Protesters called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to prioritize securing the release of the hostages over launching new military operations in Gaza. The demonstration was largely driven by families of the Israeli hostages, who fear that an expanded military campaign could further endanger the lives of their loved ones.

The Israeli government has already approved the deployment of 60,000 reserve troops, signaling a potential intensification of its operations in Gaza.

Israeli journalist Gideon Levy told Al Jazeera, “This is a courageous and determined movement, like before, but not large enough to significantly impact Netanyahu’s government.” He added, “A large segment of Israeli society still supports the war.”

Speaking at an event in Jerusalem on Thursday, Netanyahu stated, “We want to bring all our hostages home. But the ultimate goal of this war is to defeat our enemies, and that is what we will achieve.”

Families of the hostages have accused Netanyahu of previously obstructing ceasefire and prisoner exchange efforts. Many believe his hardline stance is politically motivated, aimed at preserving his right-wing coalition rather than prioritizing the hostages’ release.

It remains uncertain how much influence these protests will have on government policy, but it is clear that a segment of Israeli society is now taking a firm stance against the war in Gaza.