Thousands of Israeli protesters are gathering outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv to demonstrate against the government. The rally does not have one clear demand. Protesters are calling for a deal to release the hostages held by Hamas, others call for early elections, the dismissal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Quick Read
- Diverse Protest Goals: The rally in Tel Aviv attracted thousands of Israelis with various demands, including the release of hostages held by Hamas, calls for early elections, the dismissal of Prime Minister Netanyahu, and a diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Military Service Exemption Bill Opposition: Protesters also voiced opposition to a proposed bill that would exempt ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from mandatory military service, highlighting a contentious issue within Israeli society.
- Tribute to Fallen Soldiers: The demonstration began with a moment of silence to honor the more than 500 soldiers who have died since the onset of the conflict with Hamas on October 7.
- Police Response: Authorities used water cannons to disperse the crowd in Tel Aviv, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals. Similar protests occurred in Jerusalem.
- Shift in Protest Dynamics: Participants noted a change in the protest’s intensity compared to the anti-judicial overhaul demonstrations that took place before the war, emphasizing the current protests’ focus on immediate and life-threatening issues.
- Netanyahu’s Stance: Amidst domestic pressure, Prime Minister Netanyahu has committed to achieving “total victory” in the conflict with Hamas, underscoring the government’s firm position against the militant group.
The Associated Press has the story:
Thousands of Israelis protests in Tel Aviv, calling for hostage deal
Newslooks- Tel Aviv- Israel (AP)
Thousands of Israeli protesters are gathering outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv to demonstrate against the government.
The rally does not have one clear demand. Protesters are calling for a deal to release the hostages held by Hamas, others call for early elections, the dismissal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
There are also calls against the government, particularly against a bill that would exempt ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from mandatory military service.
At the demonstration’s start, attendees stand for a moment of silence for the over 500 soldiers that have been killed since October 7 and the beginning of Israel’s war against Hamas.
“It’s not as strong as it was before,” one demonstrator, Amit said, referring to the anti-judicial overhaul protests that occurred weekly on Saturday nights before the breakout of the war.
“But now it’s more important than ever. Before it was an argument over the nature of democracy, now it concerns people’s lives.”
Netanyahu has vowed to fight until “total victory,” but is under pressure at home.
Police used a water cannon to disperse anti-government protesters in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, and 18 people were arrested. Others protested in Jerusalem.
