Opinion polls indicate that a majority of Israelis favor a complete cessation of hostilities in Gaza to secure the release of up to 24 living hostages and the bodies of more than 30 others still in Gaza. But politically, Mr. Netanyahu depends on far-right members of his governing coalition who have been pressing for a resumption of fighting, with the goal of fully defeating Hamas.
Protests were initially called for Wednesday after Mr. Netanyahu announced that he was moving to dismiss Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, citing a lack of personal trust between them. That has raised public concerns that future appointments may be based on loyalty.
Protesters closed down the main highway into Jerusalem during the morning hours as they marched into the city in scenes reminiscent of social and political upheaval that roiled the country in the months before the war over government plans to curb the powers of the judiciary. At the time, Israeli security chiefs and experts said the internal strife had contributed to Israel’s vulnerability and encouraged its enemies.
The centrist leader of Israel’s parliamentary opposition, Yair Lapid, called on people to join the protests in a social media post on Wednesday morning.
“This government does not stop at red,” he wrote. “The only solution is unity, not silent, submissive, or fake unity, but the unity of an entire nation coming together and saying: Enough!” He added: “This is our moment, our future, our country. Take to the streets!”
Merav Hemi, 45, traveled from northern Israel with her mother to join the protest. “The government isn’t acting in the best interests of the people,” she said, adding, “Instead, they’re serving their own political interests to stay in power.”
The government has long faced widespread anger from protesters who believe the hostages should be brought back at any cost. Mr. Netanyahu defended the surprise attack on Gaza on Tuesday, which killed more than 400 people, as the opening salvo in a campaign to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages after weeks of fruitless negotiations.
From now on, he said, Israel will increase its military action against Hamas and negotiations will take place “only under fire.”
