A Protest in Hiding
Alon-Lee Green, a co-founder of Standing Together—a group that unites Palestinian and Jewish activists—tried to organize a protest against Israel’s war with Iran. This was his second attempt after police broke up the first one.
To avoid being stopped on safety grounds, they booked an underground theater that could double as a shelter. Green admitted it wasn’t ideal, but in wartime, it was a necessary compromise.
Police and Counter-Protesters Arrive
Police and right-wing demonstrators showed up at the protest. Green said police checked IDs and claimed they were there to monitor speech, but he felt it was intimidation. He noted this is a common tactic used against dissenting voices.
Widespread Support for War
Despite Green’s efforts, most of Israeli society backs the war with Iran. A recent poll found that 93% of Jewish Israelis support attacking Iran, an enemy they’ve been warned about for years.
The Opposition’s Confusing Stance
Green pointed out a paradox: even the political opposition, which often criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu, largely supports the war. For example, opposition leader Yair Lapid said he wouldn’t challenge the government during a “just war.” Green called this a failure of politics, as backing the war indirectly strengthens Netanyahu.
Leaders Frame the Conflict
Netanyahu described the war as historic, saying it would be remembered for generations and even affect humanity’s future. This grand language aims to rally public support.
Why Do Israelis Support the War?
Psychology of War
Analyst Yossi Mekelberg from Chatham House explained that people often unite behind their country during war. Israelis see Iran as a long-term threat because it supports groups like Hezbollah and has called for Israel’s destruction. This makes military action seem justified.
Media and Missing Details
Media expert Ayala Panievsky noted that Israeli media rarely criticizes the war, especially after October 7. She said this makes Israelis believe they must attack first to survive. Netanyahu’s influence over media has fueled this view, making military force seem like the only solution.
Panievsky added that unlike in the U.S. or U.K., Israelis don’t fear “regime change” because past Western failures in Iraq or Libya aren’t as prominent in their minds.
Lack of Critical Discussion
Mekelberg said most Israelis aren’t interested in debating the war’s details, like past nuclear deals or sanctions. The focus stays on Iran as the aggressor, making any attack feel like self-defense.
Green’s Perspective and Hope
Green doesn’t love Iran’s government but doubts war is the answer. He recalled how Israel claimed to destroy Iran’s missiles and Hezbollah in past conflicts, yet attacks continue.
He believes some Israelis are starting to question the war, especially since it has no clear end. Green thinks criticism will grow as people see the costs and realize the war props up Netanyahu.
“People are starting to question and criticize,” he said. “And I think that will increase.”
