Thousands of Israelis protest in Jerusalem against Netanyahu’s decision to oust Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, calling it “anti-democratic.” Learn more about the growing pro-democracy movement and its implications.

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This Thursday, thousands of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem outside the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as part of escalating protests against the cabinet’s decision to vote on the dismissal of Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency. The move has sparked widespread backlash across Israeli society, with many labeling it as “anti-democratic.”

During the demonstration, a former member of Netanyahu’s Likud party voiced concerns, stating, “Netanyahu is a danger to democracy.” In a powerful statement, former Minister Dan Meridor recalled the words of ex-Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, who once called Netanyahu a “destroying angel,” suggesting that Shamir could never have foreseen the negative impact of Netanyahu’s leadership on Israeli society.

The protests, taking place in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, are part of a broader pro-democracy movement that has gained momentum in recent days. Clashes with police have intensified, with law enforcement using water cannons to disperse the crowds.

Public outrage is not only focused on Bar’s potential dismissal but also on the ongoing investigations into the ‘Qatargate’ scandal, which involves alleged payments from Qatar to former Netanyahu advisers to promote a positive image of the Arab nation.

The vote on Bar’s dismissal is scheduled for tonight, following several delays since the end of the ceasefire and recent Israeli military operations in Gaza. The tense atmosphere is further exacerbated by the resumption of military offensives in the Palestinian enclave, prompting groups like the Hostages and Missing Families Forum to join the protests.

They are demanding not only the removal of the Shin Bet chief but also an end to the war in Gaza, where 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity.

The current situation highlights deep-seated discontent within Israeli society and raises serious questions about the country’s political direction under Netanyahu’s leadership. As tensions rise, the protests underscore a growing demand for accountability, transparency, and a return to democratic principles.

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