Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets over the weekend to demand the release of Gaza hostages and the ouster of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Protests were held in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, calling for the release of the approximately 130 people still held captive as of October 7.
The hostages’ families were among the crowd calling for the prime minister to leave power, calling him an “obstacle to the deal.”
A statement from his office said the 74-year-old man underwent surgery last night for a hernia. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin would take over while he was sedated.
Netanyahu has come under increasing pressure from the captives’ families to reach a deal with Hamas to free them.
He has insisted that Israel will continue fighting until it has destroyed the terrorist group’s military capabilities.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Israel in what is believed to be the largest protest since the start of the war.
Crowds start fires as they call for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign from office.
Protest leaders called on people to organize a four-day demonstration against the government.
Protesters wave Israeli flags and set off smoke flares as they demand the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Protesters shout slogans through megaphones at Sunday’s protests in Jerusalem
Netanyahu’s office said the 74-year-old man underwent surgery last night for a hernia.
Egyptian broadcaster Al-Qahera reported that negotiations for a truce between Israel and Hamas would resume yesterday in Cairo. Protesters in Tel Aviv chanted: “Enough murder, enough despair.”
Shira Albag, whose 19-year-old daughter Liri was among the youngest taken hostage, said: “The people of Israel will not forget or forgive anyone who prevents an agreement that would bring them (the hostages) back to us.” .
“After 176 days and 4,244 hours, the excuses are over.” Relatives said it was time to intensify the protests and call for Netanyahu to leave office.
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was kidnapped by Hamas, said the prime minister’s handling of the negotiations was “criminal.”
Addressing crowds in Jerusalem, he said: ‘You (Netanyahu) are the obstacle… You are the ones who stand between us and our loved ones returning home. From now on we will work to replace you immediately… We will harass you publicly.’
Protest leaders called on their followers to gather in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem for a four-day demonstration and to set up a tent city.
Protesters hold banners demanding that Netanyahu leave office. Hostages’ families have said the prime minister is an “obstacle to a deal”
An anti-government protester holds a sign that reads: “Don’t lie to me, Netanyahu, just leave!”
Protesters demanding safe release of hostages start fire and block major road in Jerusalem
Pictured: Protesters clash with ultra-Orthodox men in the Meha Sha’arim neighborhood of Jerusalem on Sunday.
Police used water cannons to disperse crowds protesting Netanyahu’s leadership.
A protester sits atop a sign pointing to Israel’s Supreme Court, while holding a sign that says “enough” in Hebrew.
Police break up protesters blocking road with water cannons
Protesters set up tents during Sunday’s protest in Jerusalem.
A crowd gathered outside the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to demonstrate against the government and call for the release of hostages held in Gaza.
In Tel Aviv, organizers said Saturday’s demonstration was the largest seen since the Oct. 7 attacks. The demonstrations blocked the main roads and 16 people were arrested.
Clashes with police were also reported in Jerusalem, where hundreds of protesters broke barriers to demonstrate near Netanyahu’s home.
In a televised news conference last night before his scheduled surgery, Netanyahu said he was “working day and night, burning every eyelash” to ensure the hostages were brought home.
He said: ‘I underwent an examination. I thank the people who have already called me to show concern for my health, including journalists, and I assure you that I will pass this treatment successfully and return to action very soon, very quickly.’
The prime minister also warned that those calling on him to resign would “paralyze” the country’s efforts to end the war.