Protests Grow as Israel Debates Gaza War Expansion

Protests across Israel rise as leaders consider widening the Gaza operation, fueling debate over hostages and civilian risk.

Israel protesters increase pressure on Gaza war expansion plan

Thousands of protesters gathered across Israel, from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, to oppose the security cabinet's plan to expand the Gaza war. The plan centers on five principles to end the conflict, including taking security control of the Gaza Strip and creating a civil administration separate from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Families of hostages joined the demonstrations, urging leaders to secure their release. Some soldiers have publicly refused to serve under the new plan, and calls for a general strike circulated even as major labor unions held back. International reaction included condemnation from several countries and Germany halting arms exports; the UN Security Council was set to meet.

Public protests reveal a tension between ending a war and protecting those held hostage. Proponents argue the plan could shorten the conflict, while critics warn it risks hostage safety and civilian harm.

The stance of the army chief of staff and some troops shows a fault line between political decisions and military realities. If the government pushes ahead, it could deepen divisions at home and complicate allied diplomacy. Watching how abroad governments respond will signal whether diplomacy can still shape events.

Highlights

Diplomacy and domestic pressure will shape the next moves.