Tens of thousands of Israelis take to the streets in Jerusalem in biggest protest against Benjamin Netanyahu since start of Hamas war

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.

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.

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.