SAEDNEWS: Amid growing internal divisions, tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets demanding the release of hostages and denouncing Netanyahu’s war-driven leadership. The protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s failure and highlight the broader collapse of Israel’s oppressive policies toward Palestinians.
According to SAEDNEWS, In a significant indication of deepening rifts within Israeli society, hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets nationwide. They are urgently calling for the swift return of hostages captured by Hamas in Gaza and vocally opposing the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The protests, which started in late 2023 and have gained momentum into 2025, represent the profound suffering of families whose loved ones are held hostage and reflect a political crisis that could undermine Israel’s government.
These demonstrations also highlight the devastating outcomes of Israel’s prolonged military actions and its control and blockade of Gaza. While the primary focus of the protests is the safe return of Israeli hostages, they also reveal a larger issue: Israel’s strategy in dealing with the Palestinian conflict has failed. It has not achieved peace or security, but rather deepened violence and hardship for both parties.
The crisis began after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, with Netanyahu’s government using this as a justification for escalating military operations in Gaza. Many families now feel their loved ones are being used as political pawns, with their capture being exploited to continue the attacks on Gaza and harm more civilians.
The Netanyahu government has prioritized war over meaningful dialogue, putting political power above human lives, both Israeli and Palestinian. Netanyahu’s dismissal of international critiques—calling UN genocide claims "false" and labeling any dissent as antisemitism—reveals a regime that attacks those who challenge its actions.
The large protests, with tens of thousands of Israelis demanding the release of hostages and denouncing Netanyahu’s leadership, reflect a weakening government. Citizens are frustrated by the government's inability to safeguard their lives, its corruption, and its war-driven decisions that not only endanger Israeli soldiers but also inflict immense suffering on Palestinian civilians.
Protesters argue that Netanyahu’s pursuit of power is putting the nation at risk, with some even describing him as a "threat to Israel." Former hostages and families of the still-captive individuals have emerged as powerful voices, urging an end to the war and demanding a shift away from politics to prioritize human lives.
Even members of Israel’s military, such as pilots and reservists, have taken part in the protests, signaling growing internal divisions and questioning the government’s narrative of national unity.
The International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant represents a major development in the fight for Palestinian justice.
For the first time, Israeli political and military leaders are being held accountable by the international community for war crimes, challenging a long-standing history of Israeli leaders evading punishment. This shift could signal a change in how the world views Israel’s actions and occupation.
Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are calling for sanctions, arms sales bans, and stronger international action to end Israel's violent campaign. However, despite global condemnation, influential Western nations, particularly the U.S., continue to provide Israel with military aid and diplomatic backing, enabling the ongoing violence against Palestinians.
Under Netanyahu’s rule, the Israeli government continues a policy of settler violence and efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland. Forcing Gazans from their homes, demolishing crucial infrastructure, and regularly targeting Palestinian communities are all part of a larger plan to erase their history and identity.
While the hostage situation is undeniably tragic, it should not overshadow the broader pattern of Israeli aggression. Netanyahu’s use of the hostages to justify military escalation shows how he exploits human lives for political gain. Although the protests in Israel are significant, they primarily reflect anger at government failure, rather than addressing the deeper injustice of the occupation.
Real justice and lasting peace can only be achieved by dismantling the apartheid system, ending the blockade on Gaza and the West Bank, and recognizing the Palestinians’ right to self-determination. The international community must stop supporting this system by imposing sanctions on Israel and holding it accountable for its actions.
The protests in Israel highlight the contradictions of a government that claims to protect its citizens while inflicting harm on another people. True freedom for Palestinians and the release of all hostages can only be realized by ending the occupation and respecting the rights of everyone in the region, not by continuing violence in the name of security.
