significant anti-war protests erupted across Israel, with demonstrators gathering in major cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. The demonstrations represented a growing discontent with the ongoing military campaign against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. Approximately 1,000 participants rallied in Tel Aviv's Habima Square, amidst banners bearing messages like “children are growing up in bomb shelters” and “endless war is not a strategy.”

Despite heightened security measures that restrict public gatherings to 50 people, the protests were organized by various anti-war groups and activists, frustrated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war. Security forces responded by dispersing the crowds violently, resulting in 13 arrests in Tel Aviv and additional arrests in Haifa, where police claimed some protesters were blocking roads.

Public sentiment in Israel has shown signs of shifting. Recent polling indicates that support for the war among Jewish Israelis has dropped to 78%, down from 93% earlier in the conflict, reflecting a growing weariness with ongoing hostilities. For Arab Israelis, support is significantly lower, currently at 19%.

The protests, which are among the largest since the war began, highlight a critical political moment, as many Israelis express concern over the use of the war for political ends. Activists emphasized that they aim to illustrate that dissent is possible even in wartime, pointing to the police actions as a means to suppress political opposition.

As the clashes continued, anti-war groups indicated plans for further demonstrations, hoping to unite citizens across political divides against the ongoing conflict with Iran.