Thousands Protests in Israel Over Netanyahu’s Move to Fire Security Chief

• Thousands protest in Tel Aviv after Netanyahu moves to fire Shin Bet chief.

• Supreme Court blocks dismissal; calls grow for nationwide strike.

• Netanyahu under fire amid Gaza war escalation and political turmoil.

Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday, denouncing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to sack Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and reignite military operations in Gaza. Protesters gathered at Habima Square, waving Israeli flags and demanding a deal for the release of captives still held in Gaza.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Netanyahu announced earlier this week that he had lost confidence in Bar, who has led the domestic intelligence agency since 2021, and planned to dismiss him on April 10. The announcement triggered three days of demonstrations and a temporary injunction from Israel’s Supreme Court freezing the dismissal.

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Despite the backlash, Netanyahu insisted the country would remain democratic, while critics accused him of undermining Israel’s democratic institutions. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for a national strike if the prime minister ignores the court’s ruling.

Bar alleged in a letter that his removal aimed to obstruct efforts to uncover the truth behind the failures leading up to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage.

Tensions between Netanyahu and Bar have escalated amid a bribery investigation linked to the prime minister’s office. Netanyahu’s government is also expected to convene Sunday to initiate impeachment proceedings against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who has opposed Bar’s removal and warned the prime minister against appointing a new Shin Bet chief during the court-ordered freeze.

Protesters in Tel Aviv held signs reading “No more bloodshed” and “Stop the war, now!” highlighting fears for the 59 Israeli captives still held in Gaza. Critics argue renewed fighting could endanger the captives, either through Israeli airstrikes or at the hands of Hamas.

Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza on Tuesday, breaking a ceasefire brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., which had allowed for the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Hamas denies violating the truce and accused Israel of restarting hostilities.

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Netanyahu’s foreign policy adviser, Ophir Falk, defended the renewed military action, claiming that only continued pressure on Hamas could secure the release of remaining captives. However, protesters expressed frustration over the war’s failure to dislodge Hamas or meet Israel’s strategic objectives.

Erez Berman, a demonstrator, summed up the public’s frustration: “We are a year and a half into this war, and Hamas is still in power. The Israeli government has failed to achieve its goals.”

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