Tens of thousands of protesters [1] gathered in Jerusalem on Tuesday to demand an end to Israel’s wars and the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The demonstrations highlight a deepening divide between the Israeli government and a public increasingly frustrated by prolonged conflicts and the fate of hostages. The unrest follows the surprise dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a move critics said undermines national security during active warfare.
Netanyahu fired Gallant, citing a lack of trust. "In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and defence minister," Netanyahu said [2].
The dismissal sparked immediate backlash from anti-war activists and anti-Netanyahu demonstrators. Protesters filled the streets of Jerusalem, chanting "Now! Now!" [3] while calling for an immediate ceasefire. Some activists said the daily reality of the conflict is living from “siren to siren, bomb to bomb” [4].
While some reports link the unrest primarily to the firing of the defense minister [2], others suggest the rallies were already driven by demands for a hostage deal and an end to the Gaza war [5]. Tensions further escalated following reports that six hostages were found dead in Gaza [6].
The protests come as Israel continues military operations in both Gaza and Lebanon. Demonstrators said the government is prolonging these conflicts for political survival, a claim the Prime Minister's office has not addressed in detail.
“"Now! Now!"”
The removal of Yoav Gallant removes a high-profile figure who often balanced military necessity with the political pressure to secure a hostage deal. By consolidating control over the defence portfolio, Netanyahu may face increased domestic instability and intensified pressure from the street to pivot from military objectives toward a diplomatic resolution.
