Thousands Attend ‘Free in Our Land’ Protest at Habima Square: “We’re on the Road to a Real Dictatorship”
Major Protest Against Government Policies
Thousands gathered at Habima Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening for a demonstration organized by the movement ‘Free in Our Land,’ where former Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak delivered a scathing critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The protest aimed to highlight the urgency of addressing the needs of hostages and the ongoing conflict situation in Gaza.
Barak opened his remarks by declaring that President Trump’s recent regional visit represented a significant diplomatic defeat for Netanyahu, warning it could bring considerable harm to Israel. He accused Netanyahu of “strategic charlatanism” and “cowardly and opportunistic decisions,” surrendering to the demands of far-right figures like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, rather than collaborating with the U.S. administration.
Critique of U.S. Foreign Policy
According to Barak, the current U.S. administration has placed countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Qatar, and even Syria at the forefront of its priorities, often acting without consulting Israeli interests. He contended that an effective government should clearly communicate to the U.S. that Hamas should never regain control of Gaza, simultaneously prioritizing the immediate return of all hostages.
Proposed Alternative Plan
Barak suggested that Israel could have agreed to a ceasefire after the hostages were released, while also facilitating a transition in Gaza’s governance to a multi-Arab force in partnership with a technocratic government. He argued that this strategy, with funding from Gulf states and oversight by Egypt, could neutralize Hamas’s power and contribute to normalization with Saudi Arabia.
Barak warned that Netanyahu’s potential approach to escalate military conflict in Gaza, described as “Netanyahu’s Peace War,” would be an “egregious strategic folly,” putting unknown numbers of hostages’ lives in peril, including the fate of Ron Arad.
Call for Accountability from Netanyahu
He went on to state that the continuation of military pressure would jeopardize hostages-citing that dozens have died since the last negotiation over a year ago-and argued there is no logical security basis for renewing hostilities, as Israel would ultimately arrive at the same resolution at a greater cost in lives.
Barak characterized the true goals of ongoing military actions as ensuring Netanyahu’s political survival, obstructing a state commission of inquiry, and avoiding legal proceedings. He warned that this trajectory could lead Israel toward a practical dictatorship.
Personal Testimonies and Emotional Appeals
During the protest, Merav Svirsky, the sister of Itai Svirsky who was kidnapped and killed after 99 days in Hamas captivity, also spoke passionately. She emphasized that critical moments in their communities’ fight for the hostages are being squandered as Israel is moving toward another cycle of dangerous conflict.
Svirsky lamented the losses of her family members and criticized the government for neglecting the safety of citizens while catering to extreme political factions. She implored reservists not to risk their lives in a war intended to sustain the coalition’s political legitimacy rather than for real security objectives.
A Call for Change
Svirsky concluded her remarks by declaring her belief that change is overdue, urging collective action to ensure the war ends with an agreement for the safe return of all hostages.
This protest echoes a broader discontent with government policies and highlights the rising demands from segments of the public for accountability and a shift in strategy regarding Israel’s national security and diplomatic approaches.
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This article reflects a unifying sentiment among various vostarts critical of the current leadership while framing the ongoing situation regarding hostages and national security within a larger political context