Israel's political landscape is roiled by turmoil as renewed military operations in Gaza intersect with escalating domestic protests over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial governance. Over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of Israelis flooded streets from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, demanding accountability following Netanyahu's abrupt dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
The prime minister framed Bar's removal as a move to 'restore trust' in security institutions, but critics allege it aims to obstruct a corruption probe involving Qatari-linked financial dealings among senior officials. Bar condemned his dismissal in a letter, calling it politically motivated and warning of operational damage to the intelligence agency amid heightened regional tensions.
Israel's Supreme Court temporarily blocked the move pending further review, sparking a standoff between the judiciary and Netanyahu's coalition. The crisis deepened as the cabinet advanced a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who has repeatedly challenged government actions.
Meanwhile, collapsed ceasefire talks triggered renewed Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, with protesters – including families of hostages – demanding immediate de-escalation. A Channel 12 poll reveals 63% of Israelis fear for their democracy's future, reflecting anxieties over institutional stability and protracted conflict.
As the Supreme Court prepares rulings on both the Shin Bet leadership and attorney general's fate, Israel balances on a knife's edge between constitutional crisis and democratic recalibration.
