This was not just this week on the streets of Tel Aviv, there was no slogans or wasting of drums, when people came out to protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It was also picachu – bright yellow Pokémon – march between thousands of angry Israel. The figure of costumes stood in the sea of opposition signs and flags.
Character – Already seen in anti -government protests in Türkiye and the United States – has come to represent the rebellion in its most colorful, disarmament form.
Tel Aviv’s video “Pikachu Rakshak” went viral on social media in no time.
From Israel to USA, Pikachu is joining global opposition! #Pikachuinprotest pic.twitter.com/v91dyvdruy
– Abid Ihsan (@IHSANABID1995) 6 April, 2025
On 5 April, thousands of people flooded the streets of the financial capital of Israel. There were small protests across the country too.
Anger is not new – these protests started more than two years ago, initially against the judicial reforms published by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Then Hamas attacked on 7 October. The protesters stood in support of the victims and demanded the return of the hostages – 251.
But now, focusing. Disappointment is increasing, especially with Netanyahu. Many people accuse him of continuing the war in Gaza, so that despite facing allegations of corruption, they can be accused of coming to power.
Protests have taken shape in major areas of Tel Aviv. Near the Art Museum, in the category of hostages, the crowd focuses on prisoners held in Gaza, away from political slogans. But only a few roads are away in Habima Square, there is a clear message: Netanyahu must go.
Near the army headquarters on the beginning road, families of hostages challenge the government’s dealing with the government crisis. As the night falls, all groups slowly merge, gather under bridges with resonance across the city.
There was a turn in mid -March when the Prime Minister fired Shin Bet Intelligence Chief Ronen Bar, without approval from the Supreme Court. It expressed fresh displeasure.
Then came the “Cuttergate” scam, where some of Netanyahu’s advisors were accused of secretly working for Qatar. For many people, this was the last straw. There is an indication that “read treason in Netanyahu’s cabinet”, a 68-year-old protestor shouted his anger, saying that he opposed every Saturday since January 2023-every time with more reasons.
In his 40s, a person who riped a bicycle for protest, said, “Netanyahu behaves as he does not care about the life of Israel or Ghazan according to lemonade.”
A group called “Brothers and Sisters in Arms”, born from a wave of protest of 2023, is trying to keep the soul alive. They organize assistance for communities attacked by Hamas and lead the demonstrations. In the Habima Square, he presented the tajipi Livani – a major opposition voice – who not only called Netanyahu, but also the growing violence by Jewish extremists at West Bank.
Despite the pushback, Netanyahu holds the power on power – for now. However, the opinion poll suggests that if he is held today, he would lose, his ruling coalition continues to support him, especially with the return of the far-flung leader Itmar Ben-Gwir in the cabinet, the Guardian said.
