Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets this weekend to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to expand the country’s military operation in Gaza, fearing it will endanger hostages and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
The protests, held in cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, were led by families of hostages still held in Gaza. Of the 50 believed to be in captivity, about 20 are thought to be alive. Demonstrators urged the government to prioritise their release over further military escalation.
On Friday, Israel’s security cabinet approved five principles for ending the war, including disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarising Gaza, taking Israeli security control of the territory, and creating an “alternative civil administration” not led by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli military said it would prepare for control over Gaza City, a move the United Nations warned could have “catastrophic consequences” for civilians and hostages.
Protesters rejected Netanyahu’s assurances that the plan would help free the hostages. “Expanding the fighting endangers the hostages and the soldiers – the people of Israel are not willing to risk them,” a hostage family group posted on X.
Some demonstrators included former soldiers refusing to serve in the expanded campaign. Max Kresch, a combat veteran from the war’s early stages, said over 350 soldiers had joined the refusal, calling it “Netanyahu’s political war that endangers the hostages and starves innocent Palestinians.”
Israeli media reported that army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir has also warned Netanyahu against a full occupation of Gaza, describing it as a “trap” that would jeopardise the lives of hostages.
International criticism is mounting. The UK, France, Canada, and others condemned the decision, while Germany announced it would halt military exports to Israel. The UN Security Council is set to convene on Sunday to discuss the plan.
Israel launched its Gaza offensive after the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attacks that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. The Hamas-run health ministry says over 61,300 Palestinians have been killed since.
Polls indicate most Israelis prefer a negotiated deal with Hamas to secure hostage releases and end the war a position protesters hope will pressure the government to shift course.
