Full Breakdown
Israel's Anti-War Protests Amid Ongoing Conflict with Iran
3/20/2026, 4:33:29 PM
Protests Emerge Against the War
As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its third week, small anti-war protests have emerged in Israel, notably in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. On a recent Saturday night, demonstrators chanted, “One, two, three four, we don’t want your fucking war,” while some wore orange jumpsuits and masks depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite the rising civilian death toll in both Iran and Lebanon, these protests have attracted fewer than a hundred participants, highlighting the minority status of anti-war sentiment in Israel.
Context of the Conflict
The current war, referred to as Operation Roaring Lion, has resulted in at least 15 Israeli deaths and thousands in Iran and Lebanon. Critics argue that the war lacks a clear exit strategy and is driven by an elite consensus that prioritizes military action over diplomatic solutions. Mika Almog, a member of the anti-war coalition “It’s Time,” emphasizes that the ongoing violence is exacerbated by the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which Netanyahu has shown little interest in addressing through diplomacy.
Political Consensus for War
The Israeli political landscape is largely unified in support of the war, with Netanyahu framing it as essential for national survival. Opposition leaders, including Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, have echoed this sentiment, advocating for aggressive military strategies rather than peaceful negotiations. This political consensus has marginalized voices advocating for peace, such as Ofer Cassif of the Hadash-Ta'al coalition, who has labeled the war as “imperialist aggression.”
Public Sentiment and Media Representation
Recent polls indicate that approximately 92.5% of Israelis support the military campaign against Iran, driven by the perception of Iran as a significant security threat. However, this support is not universal; 65% of Palestinian citizens of Israel oppose the war. The Israeli media has largely portrayed the conflict as a defensive measure, leaving little room for dissenting opinions. Gideon Levy, a veteran journalist, notes that questioning the war is often deemed illegitimate within mainstream discourse.
Challenges for the Anti-War Movement
Despite the overwhelming support for the war, the anti-war movement persists, albeit under challenging conditions. Activists like Lawrence Shenkin express hope for a government that includes diverse voices, including Arab and left-wing perspectives. However, protests have faced police crackdowns, with recent demonstrations being dispersed quickly. The movement's message struggles to resonate with the broader public, as many view the war as a necessary response to perceived threats.
Future Implications
As the conflict continues, there are concerns that prolonged military engagement may lead to increased dissent against the war. Levy suggests that if the war drags on, criticism may intensify, potentially giving rise to a more robust anti-war movement. For now, however, the prevailing narrative remains one of support for military action, with peace discussions largely absent from the political agenda.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My God does not want the state, that claims to be in his name, to be waging wars and consistently killing thousands of people,” — Lawrence Shenkin, Anti-War Protester
- “Trump and Bibi [Netanyahu] dragged us into another pointless war.” — Mitan, Anti-War Protester
- “This idea that you can keep them in this situation and it's not going to deteriorate is ludicrous.” — Mika Almog, Creative Director, It’s Time
- “raising doubts about the war is not legitimate, you will not hear it or see it” — Gideon Levy, Journalist
The ongoing conflict and the anti-war protests reflect a complex and divided Israeli society grappling with the implications of military action and the quest for peace.
