Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem over the weekend in the largest protests the country has seen since the beginning of the conflict with Hamas. The main point of contention for the demonstrators is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the recent terror attack on October 7, where hostages were taken captive.
Protesters are demanding the release of the hostages and have called for Netanyahu’s resignation, as well as new elections. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid has also criticized the government for not adequately addressing the concerns of the families of the hostages.
Despite some protesters being forcibly dispersed outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, many have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met. The sense of unity that initially prevailed in Israel following the terror attack has begun to erode after six months of war.
International pressure and outrage over the high death toll and destruction in Gaza have also put a strain on Israel’s relationships with its allies, including the United States. In response to the escalating situation, the US and Israel are set to hold a virtual meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis in Rafah, a city on the border of Gaza and Egypt.
The protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem highlight the growing frustration and anger among the Israeli population over the government’s handling of the conflict with Hamas. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen how Netanyahu and his administration will respond to the mounting pressure both domestically and internationally.
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