Netanyahu slams court for allowing anti-war protest, opposition fires back

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a sharp attack on the High Court of Justice on Sunday after it allowed an anti-war demonstration to take place in Tel Aviv the previous night. Writing on X, Netanyahu said: “Unbelievable. While Jews are restricted during the Passover holiday from praying at the Western Wall, the High Court of Justice has approved a left-wing demonstration in Tel Aviv.” He added: “Freedom of protest is important, but freedom of prayer is no less important. During wartime, the only authority determining security arrangements is the Home Front Command.”

Opposition leaders respond forcefully

The prime minister’s remarks drew immediate condemnation from across Israel’s political opposition. Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party, said that while attacks on Iran continue, Netanyahu has maintained his provocative rhetoric. “While they’re still searching for survivors among the rubble in Haifa, the only thing that pulls Netanyahu out of the hole is attempts to divide the people and incite against judges,” Lapid wrote on X. Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated: “Enough sowing despair and division among the people during wartime! Israel’s war is against Iran, not against the Supreme Court.”

Protests against Iran war continue

Israelis have been organizing protest demonstrations across the country, particularly in Tel Aviv, for the past two weeks, calling for an immediate end to the US-Israeli war against Iran. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats Party, accused Netanyahu of panicking after losing political ground, writing: “Like a dog returning to its vomit, Netanyahu is back to inciting against the High Court and against ‘the left.’” For Türkiye, which has consistently called for an end to the war and for respect for international law, the internal Israeli divisions over the conflict are noteworthy. Ankara has long argued that wars of choice without broad public support often lead to domestic political crises, and continues to urge all parties to prioritize diplomacy over military escalation.