Protests in Jerusalem/Photo: Flash90
For the second day in a row, mass protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘s decision to dismiss Shabak Chairman Ronen Barak have been taking place in Jerusalem. The demonstrations covered Aza Street, which is located near the prime minister’s residence, as well as the neighbourhood of the Knesset.
The wave of indignation began on 19 March, when protesters took to the country’s main highway, Route 1. Later, they moved to the government quarter of Jerusalem, where discontent quickly escalated into a violent confrontation with the police.
Tension on the streets: clashes with police, detainees and injured
The police are actively using special means to disperse the crowd, and the protesters, in turn, are not giving up. Clashes occur regularly, and there have already been injuries and detentions. However, this does not stop the protesters – on the contrary, the actions are becoming even more intense.
Demonstrators consider Ronen Bar’s dismissal a blow to the country’s security. The Shabak is Israel’s key counter-intelligence and anti-terrorism service, and its head plays a critical role in ensuring national security. Therefore, Netanyahu’s decision caused not just a political debate, but a real public outcry.
What will happen next?
Analysts believe that the protests could escalate into a long-term crisis, especially if the government does not offer any explanations or compromises. Netanyahu, who is already under pressure from his negotiations with Hamas and internal struggles in the coalition, now has another serious problem.
It is not yet known whether the prime minister will make concessions or continue to take a hard line. One thing is clear: Israeli society is not ready to take decisions that affect the country’s security in silence. And if the situation escalates further, Netanyahu will have to act quickly to avoid an even greater explosion of popular anger.
