Thousands demonstrate in Jerusalem: Netanyahu is under pressure!

Thousands demonstrate in Jerusalem: Netanyahu is under pressure!

Thousands of people protested again in Jerusalem against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu oe24 reported. On Thursday, security forces used water cannons to disperse protesters and several arrests were made. The uprising is a response to the controversial dismissal of Shin Bet domestic intelligence chief Ronen Bar and the resumption of the offensive against the Gaza Strip. Protesters express grave concerns about the future of Israel and the 59 hostages held in Gaza. One participant, 59-year-old Rinat Hadashi, emphasized: “We are very, very worried that our country will become a dictatorship.”

Protests continued for a third straight day, with clashes breaking out at key government sites where many demonstrators tried to break through barriers. Planned rallies in Tel Aviv were also announced, such as Spiegel reported. The conflict shows how deep social divisions in Israel have become since Netanyahu came back to power at the end of 2022. A wave of anti-government protests broke out before the war with Hamas, particularly against the government's attempt to limit the influence of the judiciary, which many see as a threat to democracy.

Additionally, the firing of intelligence chief Bar is sparking outrage, while Netanyahu faces further legal challenges, including an ongoing corruption trial. Critics accuse the government of not doing enough to release the hostages and call for sweeping policy changes to strengthen national security and democratic values.