**Thousands Protest in Israel Against Expanded Gaza War**
The streets of Israel have seen thousands of people taking to the streets to protest against the government’s plans to expand its military operations in Gaza. The protests, which took place across the country, were a clear indication of the growing opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan.
Netanyahu has been adamant that expanding the war will “free our hostages” and ensure that Gaza does not pose a future threat to Israel. However, critics argue that this approach is reckless and puts both the hostages and Israeli soldiers at risk. A group representing the families of the hostages stated on social media platform X that expanding the fighting would endanger everyone involved.
The protests in Israel were peaceful but passionate, with many people expressing their opposition to the government’s plan. Among those protesting was a former army soldier who served at the start of the war. Max Kresch, a combat veteran, told BBC News that he has since refused to serve due to his concerns over the expanded military operation.
Netanyahu’s response to criticism has been firm, stating that Israel will not occupy Gaza but rather “free Gaza from Hamas”. The Israeli Security Cabinet’s plan for ending the war lists five key principles: disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, taking security control of the territory, and establishing an alternative civil administration.
**Analysis**
The protests in Israel highlight the growing divisions within the country over the government’s handling of the Gaza war. While Netanyahu remains committed to expanding the military operation, many Israelis are concerned about the risks involved. The fact that a former army soldier has refused to serve due to his concerns is a telling sign of the depth of feeling among some members of the public.
The principles outlined by the Israeli Security Cabinet may seem reasonable on paper, but they also raise questions about the long-term implications for Gaza and its people. Will disarming Hamas truly lead to peace, or will it simply create a power vacuum? How will Israel ensure that the alternative civil administration is not dominated by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority?
The protests in Israel are a reminder that the conflict in Gaza is not just a military issue, but also a deeply complex and emotional one. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that there will be no easy solutions, only difficult choices and hard negotiations ahead.
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