Protesters March in Tel Aviv Against Netanyahu’s Leadership
Protesters Take to Tel Aviv Streets Against Netanyahu
Hundreds of protesters marched through Tel Aviv on March 18, 2025, targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstration, erupting around 11:00 AM PDT, voiced outrage over his refusal to secure a ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas and his broader leadership failures. Organized by groups like Partners for Israel, the rally saw chants for Netanyahu’s resignation echo near government buildings as tensions flared over the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Anger Boils Over Gaza Stalemate
Demonstrators waved signs reading “Hostage Deal Now” and “Replace Him,” accusing Netanyahu of abandoning captives still held in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Posts on X from activists highlighted frustration with his latest moves, including terminating ceasefire talks. The march follows a pattern of unrest, with families of hostages increasingly vocal after six were killed in captivity last year, per prior reports.
Clashes and Crackdowns Mark the Day
Police presence loomed large, with some scuffles reported as marchers blocked Kaplan Street. Posts on X noted officers pushing back crowds, though no arrests were confirmed by 12:30 PM PDT. The rally’s scale paled compared to 2024’s mass protests—thousands then flooded Tel Aviv—but today’s turnout signals persistent dissent. Protesters also decried Netanyahu’s recent ousting of the Shin Bet head over Qatargate, fueling cries of authoritarianism.
Netanyahu’s Defiance Stokes the Fire
Netanyahu, recovering from hernia surgery last year, has dismissed calls for elections, insisting military pressure on Hamas is the path forward. His administration’s expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador days ago only deepened the divide. Posts on X reflect a split—some back his hardline stance, others see it as political survival trumping national good. The PM’s office offered no comment on the march by midday.
A Nation Divided Watches On
Tel Aviv, a protest hub since 2023’s judicial overhaul battles, again became the stage for Israel’s fractures. With the Knesset on recess soon, activists vow to keep pressure up, echoing last year’s four-day Jerusalem sit-in. The march ended near the Kirya military HQ, leaving questions of escalation unanswered as Cuba’s blackout and U.S. events dominate global headlines.
