Tens of thousands of Israelis took part in protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as rallies against his attempt to remove the chief of the domestic intelligence agency entered their third day.
Police used water cannons and arrested many individuals as clashes erupted during demonstrations in Tel Aviv and near the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem, where authorities stated that scores of protesters attempted to breach security barriers.
In the last three days, protesters have been demonstrating against the transfer the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Barak have teamed up with demonstrators outraged by the decision to restart combat in Gaza, ending a two-month-long truce, while 59 Israeli captives are still held within the Palestinian territory.
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I am deeply concerned that our nation might be turning into a dictatorship," stated Rinat Hadashi, aged 59, in Jerusalem. "The authorities are leaving our captives behind and overlooking crucial matters for this country.
This week, Netanyahu stated that his trust in Bar, who has been at the helm of Shin Bet since 2021, had eroded, and he planned to remove him from his position.
The choice came after months of strain between them due to a corruption probe investigating claims that several assistants were involved. Netanyahu's Offices were approached with bribes from individuals associated with Qatar.
Netanyahu has rejected the allegation as a politically driven effort aimed at ousting him. However, his detractors argue that he is eroding the democratic foundations of Israel by pushing for Bar's dismissal.
In a communication sent to the authorities and disseminated by Shin Bet during the meeting where ministers officially approved his removal, Bar stated that the decision was based on "unfounded allegations that serve only as a cover for entirely distinct, external, and inherently unacceptable reasons."
He has already stated his intention to resign prematurely in order to shoulder the blame for the intelligence lapses that permitted the assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, to occur.
The contentious events witnessed on Thursday underscored rifts that have widened since Netanyahu assumed leadership of a conservative alliance towards the close of 2022.
Even before the war in Gaza , tens of thousands of Israelis participated in frequent protests against a governmental initiative aimed at reducing the influence of the judiciary. Critics viewed this move as a threat to Israeli democracy, whereas the government argued that it was necessary to prevent excessive judicial intervention.
On Thursday, Yair Golan, a former deputy Chief of Staff in the military who currently heads the opposition Democratic party, was knocked down during a confrontation, prompting criticism from fellow opposition members and demands for an inquiry.
The former Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, stated that these conflicts arose directly from the fissures created by "an extreme administration that has lost control."
In Tel Aviv, protesters gathered outside the Kirya military headquarters complex as ministers convened to officially endorse the removal of Bar.
Ever since the conflict began, frequent demonstrations have taken place involving family members and advocates of those captured by Hamas during its attack on Israel from Gaza starting October 7, 2023. These gatherings have occasionally mirrored critiques directed at the administration.
As Israel restarts its operations in Gaza, the status of 59 hostages—of which up to 24 may still be alive—is uncertain. Protesters have warned that renewed conflict might result in these individuals being murdered, either at the hands of their captors or inadvertently during Israeli attacks.
"The Israeli population cannot accept this result," stated The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group advocating for the hostages' families, in a communiqué.
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