Former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo accuses Netanyahu of exploiting hostage negotiations for political gain, sparking mass protests in Tel Aviv

Tensions in Israel reached a boiling point as former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo delivered a blistering attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling the handling of hostage negotiations a “disgraceful fraud.” Speaking at a massive rally in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square, Pardo accused Netanyahu of prolonging the crisis for political leverage and compared the hostage release process to Nazi Germany’s infamous ‘selektzia’—the practice of deciding who would live and who would die in concentration camps.

The demonstration, which drew an estimated 40,000 people, marked one of the largest anti-government protests in months. Alongside Pardo, other high-profile security figures—including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen and ex-police commissioner Roni Alsheich—joined grieving families of hostages to denounce Netanyahu’s leadership.

Pardo did not hold back. “The fraud, deceit, and lies will be remembered forever,” he declared, slamming Netanyahu for violating the recent ceasefire and reigniting the war in Gaza for personal political survival. He went further, accusing the prime minister of betraying national security by allegedly allowing Qatar to manipulate ceasefire negotiations to keep Hamas in power. “Qatar’s strategic aim is maintaining Hamas rule,” Alsheich added, fueling suspicions that Netanyahu had deliberately prolonged the crisis.

For many in the crowd, emotions ran high. Rafi Ben Shitrit, whose son Elroi died fighting Hamas militants, condemned Netanyahu for refusing to launch a state inquiry into the government’s failures leading up to the October 7, 2023 attack. “How will we mend if we don’t know what we’ve broken?” he asked, his voice breaking. His words ignited chants of “You’re not alone—we’re with you!” from the sea of protesters.

The rally also spotlighted Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan remains a hostage in Gaza. Urging immediate action, she called on Israelis to surround the Kirya military headquarters until Netanyahu had no choice but to bring the hostages home. “Netanyahu didn’t open the gates of hell on Hamas today,” she declared. “He opened the gates of hell on our loved ones.”

The atmosphere grew tense as supporters and critics of Netanyahu clashed. Protesters shouted “traitor!” at government officials, prompting Cohen to plead for restraint. But anger toward the prime minister was unmistakable. Pardo’s remarks—particularly his comparison of Netanyahu’s actions to Nazi-era ‘selektzia’—struck a nerve, with many in the crowd visibly shaken.

Netanyahu’s administration dismissed the rally as politically motivated, with government allies insisting that the prime minister remained committed to national security and the safe return of all hostages. But critics argue that his refusal to establish an independent investigation suggests a desperate bid to protect his own political survival rather than the Israeli people.

As the protest dispersed, one message remained clear: for many Israelis, Netanyahu’s handling of the crisis represents a betrayal they will neither forgive nor forget.