Israel’s overnight strikes on Gaza came just hours before large-scale protests were slated to take place in Tel Aviv against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fire the head of Israel’s internal security service, CNN reports.

Netanyahu announced last week that he would remove the chief of the Shin Bet security service, Ronen Bar, citing his “ongoing distrust” of the leader. Netanyahu has frequently criticised the agency, placing blame on its leaders for the security lapses that led to the Hamas attacks on Oct 7, 2023.

But the decision has been controversial. A protest is expected to take place today in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square, with similar protests planned in Jerusalem today and tomorrow, CNN added.

The resumption of widespread airstrikes on Gaza has drawn criticism inside Israel, which remains deeply polarised about Netanyahu’s right-wing administration.