Jerusalem/Tel Aviv/Riyadh/Paris (TASSAWAR NEWS) – Israel is witnessing some of its most intense internal unrest in years, as violent protests spread across the country against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline policies and his government’s failure to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
According to international media, demonstrations are growing in both size and intensity, even reaching Netanyahu’s official residence in Jerusalem. On Wednesday, thousands of protesters clashed with police near his home, where a military tank was set on fire. The blaze spread to a soldier’s private vehicle parked nearby, reducing both the tank and the car to ashes.
The soldier whose car was destroyed told reporters:
“I have served continuously during the Gaza war and stand with the families of the hostages, but this fire is setting the people and the army against each other.”
Residents Forced to Evacuate
Due to the chaos, residents living close to Netanyahu’s residence were evacuated to safer areas. Demonstrators also set trash bins and tires ablaze, with flames spreading dangerously close to nearby homes and vehicles.
Israeli Authorities Label Protesters as “Terrorists”
Israeli police condemned the protests as acts of “crime and terrorism,” insisting they were far from peaceful demonstrations. Justice Minister Yariv Levin and far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir branded the protesters as “arson terrorists” and authorized security forces to use maximum force to suppress the unrest.
Political Blame Game
As tensions escalated, the government shifted blame onto Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Israel’s Supreme Court for deepening internal divisions. Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticized the government’s failure to prioritize hostage negotiations.
Opposition figures Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz condemned the arson attacks but defended the people’s right to protest:
“Peaceful protest is every citizen’s democratic right, but violence undermines the struggle.”
Analysts Warn of Growing Instability
Experts warn that Israel’s deepening unrest shows how Netanyahu’s extremist policies are not only devastating Palestinians but also tearing Israeli society apart. With reservists refusing duty and public anger at its peak, the government faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally.
