Thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday evening against the government of right-wing conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the media, they demanded early elections in Tel Aviv and the release of hostages held by the Islamist Hamas. There were riots and police operations.
There were also protests in other cities such as Jerusalem and Haifa. The hostages’ families called for mass gatherings during their weekly meeting.
Arrests after riots
According to police reports, riots broke out in Tel Aviv and 16 people were arrested, according to media reports. In Jerusalem, hundreds of participants in a protest reportedly broke through a barrier near Netanyahu’s official residence. The police used water sprinklers.
Shira Elbag, whose 19-year-old daughter Liri was kidnapped by Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip during the radical Islamist Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, called on her compatriots in an emotional speech to increase pressure on Netanyahu. “It’s time to go out and fight against indifference and for life,” she said. “I ask you now to join us in the streets and say with a united and clear voice: ‘Take her home now!’”
Netanyahu in criticism
The hostages’ relatives and their supporters gathered like every Saturday on a square in Tel Aviv, which they renamed “Hostages Square.” This week, a second demonstration took place in front of the Ministry of Defense, explicitly targeting Netanyahu’s government. Some demonstrators held signs directly blaming Netanyahu for the unknown fate of the hostages. Next to his photo was the caption: “You’re the boss, it’s your fault.”
A former hostage told Netanyahu during the Tel Aviv demonstration: “Bring them home!” The head of the government must assist the Israeli negotiating team in talks on an agreement to release the hostages in exchange for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and a release of Palestinians The woman, whose husband is still in custody held in the Gaza Strip, demanded that prisoners be given a “broad mandate.” “Don’t come home without a deal, bring our loved ones back.”
Demanded resignation
A former military intelligence chief, Amos Malka, has called on Netanyahu to resign, according to the ynet news site. “The government is sacrificing the hostages, isolating Israel and strengthening Hamas,” he said at a rally in Caesarea, where Netanyahu has a private villa.
Starting Sunday, government opponents are planning large rallies in Jerusalem that will last several days. There too, there should be calls for the government to resign.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
