The sacking of Ronen Bar, head of Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, has sparked widespread protests across the country, with demonstrators accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of undermining Israeli democracy. Netanyahu removed Bar from his position over alleged failures during the October 7 attacks, citing a lack of trust. However, Bar claims his dismissal is politically motivated, reports Al Jazeera.
Protests have been intensifying over the past few days, as citizens gather to voice their outrage not only about the firing of Bar but also the government's handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Outside Netanyahu’s residence in West Jerusalem, demonstrators gathered to express their frustration. Michal Halperin, one of the protesters, said, “Instead of firing the head of Shin Bet, just to avoid an investigation, I think the prime minister should be involved in rescuing the last hostages left in Gaza to die.”
The protests have reflected growing concerns over the direction Israel is taking under Netanyahu's leadership. Rinat Hadashi, a 59-year-old protester, stated, “We’re very, very worried that our country is becoming a dictatorship,” expressing fear about the erosion of democratic freedoms. She further criticized the government for neglecting its responsibilities during the war in Gaza, adding, “They’re abandoning our hostages, they’re neglecting all the important things for this country.”
Michal Sagive, another protester, put the blame squarely on the prime minister, saying, “We feel that the Israeli democracy was hijacked by the worst people. People that care about nothing but their very narrow self-interests.”
The sacking of Bar is seen as part of a broader political crisis in Israel, with critics accusing Netanyahu of consolidating power at the expense of democratic norms. The protests reflect not just opposition to the war in Gaza, but a deeper concern about the future of Israeli democracy under his rule.
As public discontent grows, Netanyahu’s position appears increasingly fragile, with calls for a more transparent investigation into both the handling of the Gaza conflict and the decision to fire Bar. Protests are expected to continue, as many Israelis feel the country’s democratic values are under siege.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
