The Tel Aviv streets witnessed something more than just drumming and chanting this week. A bright yellow Pikachu costume globe-trotting rebellion in its most conspicuous attire tapped the center of attention as demonstrators marched against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The character has been seen at protests in Turkey and the US before, but now it is the symbol of rainbow-colored resistance in Israel as well.
On April 5, tens of thousands filled the streets of Tel Aviv, followed by smaller clashes throughout the country. Clips of the ‘Pikachu protester’ spread wildly on social media, captivating attention worldwide.
What Led to Protest in Israel?
The protests, which are in their third year, originally broke out following contentious judicial reforms that had been rolled out by Netanyahu. The public outcry, though, has grown in intensity, especially after the October 7 Hamas attack, with protesters demanding the release of 251 hostages and against the government’s crisis management.
Now the rage is squarely pointed at Netanyahu. Demonstrators blame him for extending the Gaza war in order to stay in office as he confronts allegations of corruption. A protester explained to Lemonade, ‘Netanyahu acts like he doesn’t care about Israelis’ lives or Gazans’ lives.”
Watch:
🌍 A person in a Pikachu costume also joined the anti-Trump protests in the U.S.
— Universal News (@universalnewsx) April 5, 2025
In Tel Aviv itself, the demonstrations are staged at major landmarks. At Hostages’ Square, citizens muster to show solidarity with the families of the captives, shying away from direct political slogans. A short distance away in Habima Square, the mood is much more vocal: ‘Netanyahu has to go’. Outside the headquarters of the military on Begin Road, the condemnation is fiercer as hostage families assail the government response.
A particular flashpoint arrived in mid-March when Netanyahu controversially dismissed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar without Supreme Court sanction, reigniting public outrage.
Then arrived the ‘Qatargate’ scandal accusations that several of Netanyahu’s advisors were secretly employed by Qatar. For many, this was a tipping point. A 68-year-old protester carrying a ‘Treason in Netanyahu’s Cabinet’ sign told her she’s been protesting every Saturday since January 2023: ‘Each time with more reasons’.
At the same time, the activist organization ‘Brothers and Sisters in Arms’, established during the previous year’s protests, continues to organize demonstrations and support communities affected by Hamas attacks. In Habima Square, the organization brought opposition leader Tzipi Livni, who attacked Netanyahu and denounced Jewish extremist violence in the West Bank.
Despite mounting dissent, Netanyahu’s hold on power remains intact. While polls show his popularity declining, his ruling coalition, bolstered by far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir’s return, still stands firm—for now.
