Netanyahu faces the Israeli street as protests move towards civil disobedience.
Protests and civil disobedience escalate in Israel amidst renewed fighting in Gaza.
Tensions escalated in Jerusalem on Tuesday, where the city witnessed widespread demonstrations marked by violent clashes between protesters and police forces. Protesters blocked Gaza Street near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, setting fires and calling for intensified action against government policies.
The protests were sparked by opposition to renewed fighting in Gaza and government plans to dismiss the Attorney General and the head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). The demonstrations included a serious incident where a taxi driver dragged a protester on the car’s hood for some distance before stopping and being summoned for investigation.
Leaders of the demonstrations called for escalation and a transition to a general strike, asserting that “the violence faced by protesters threatens the foundations of democracy.”
In his comments on the events, Knesset Member Gilad Kariv blamed the government, stating it was responsible for incitement leading to the violence. Meanwhile, protest leaders urged intensified efforts toward civil disobedience.
Elsewhere, highways between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were closed, causing temporary traffic paralysis. Politicians, such as Benny Gantz, faced angry reactions from some protesters during their participation in the marches.
The protests gained further momentum with Moshe Redman’s announcement of new steps, including urging labor unions and economic officials to join the movement, signaling increased pressure on the government in the coming days.
