Overview

• More than 200,000 protesters gathered in Tel Aviv on August 17 to demand an end to the Gaza war and the immediate release of roughly 20 hostages still believed alive
• Demonstrators blocked key highways and streets nationwide, prompting over 30 detentions and water-cannon deployments in Jerusalem as employers and municipalities largely joined despite Histadrut’s absence
• IDF Chief Ejal Zamir approved a “next phase” of operations to concentrate on seizing Gaza City, signaling an escalation in military strategy
• COGAT resumed deliveries of tents and supplies framed as preparation for civilian evacuations, raising concerns about potential forced relocations within the Gaza Strip
• Indirect negotiations with Hamas remain stalled, deepening political rifts as right-wing officials accuse protesters of aiding the enemy while families insist unrest is needed to force a deal