Tel Aviv protests challenge Netanyahu plan escalate Gaza war

Protests in Tel Aviv show strong public opposition to a plan to widen military action in Gaza.

Tel Aviv protests challenge Netanyahu plan to escalate Gaza war

Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night to oppose Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to escalate the Gaza war, including a proposed seizure of Gaza City. The security cabinet had signaled expanding military operations in Gaza despite warnings from some military leaders and growing public opposition. Organisers say more than 100,000 people attended the rally, demanding an end to the campaign and the release of hostages.

The gathering comes as polls show broad support for halting the war to secure the remaining hostages held by militants in Gaza. Israel reports more than 1,200 Israelis killed in the October 2023 Hamas attack and 251 taken into Gaza, with over 400 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since. At the same time Gaza’s health ministry says Palestinian deaths have topped 61,000, a figure that underscores the human cost of any decision to widen the war. Within the government and coalition, some far right allies push for a broader takeover, while others warn the plan could put hostages at greater risk. In interviews and at the rally, citizens pressed for diplomacy and a path back to negotiations with Hamas.

The government faces sharp domestic and international criticism for moving ahead with escalation plans. Bezalel Smotrich, a leading far right minister, has pressed for a stronger stance, including annexation proposals. Netanyahu has signaled cautious language in recent remarks but indicated the army intends to take and hold parts of Gaza City. The coming cabinet vote is expected to illuminate how far leaders are prepared to go and how much room they have to maneuver amid public backlash and diplomatic pressure.

The protests illuminate a political fault line inside Israel. Public pressure now blends with a risky military calculus, where leaders must weigh hostage safety against perceived military goals. The dynamic risk is clear: the more the public and international partners push back, the harder it may be for any future ceasefire or hostage deal to gain momentum. This moment tests the government’s ability to balance security promises with human costs and political survival.

Highlights

The road ahead will demand new diplomacy and a careful balance between security and humanity.