The protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, calling for a new election.
On Monday, a large crowd of protestors converged on the Israeli parliament and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem. They were expressing their anger and frustration over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the government’s perceived failure to secure the release of hostages still held at the Palestinian border.
Last year, widespread protests broke out in response to the government’s decision to override the judiciary.
The present one erupted after the emergency government of Netanyahu had a fallout when centrist minister Benny Grant and Gadi Eisenkot—leaving Netanyahu’s government on the shoulders of ultra-orthodox and Far-right liners, who were the cause of last year’s protest.
The protestors expressed their rage shouting, “Everyone, now”. They were demanding the rescue of the Hostages.
On the 7th of October, 2022, Hamas conducted a large-scale hostage-taking operation, capturing more than 200 Israeli citizens from southern villages. In a temporary exchange with Israel in November, half of the hostages were released in return for Palestinian prisoners. This event has sparked widespread protests against the Israeli government, with many citizens expressing frustration over the government’s months-long offensive under the guise of “operational activity” that failed to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
What does the protest demand?
Ayala Metzegar, a woman deeply impacted by the hostage situation, expressed her heartfelt desire to be reunited with her father-in-law in an interview with Al-Jazeera. She conveyed the collective yearning of numerous relatives of the hostages who have come together to protest in different regions of the country. Additionally, another demonstrator emphasized that the government must secure the safe return of the hostages and warned that if they fail to do so, others would step in to take on this responsibility
The protesters adamantly called for a ceasefire agreement with Gaza, stipulating the release of all Israeli hostages, the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the scheduling of a new election in the country.
Why do the protestors insist on the PM’s immediate resignation?
The current Israeli government, led by Netanyahu, is a coalition of far-right and centrist parties. The government has faced criticism for its unsuccessful efforts to rescue hostages and its ongoing military operations, which have sparked anger among the public. Last year, a bill proposed by the government to undermine the judiciary also drew widespread condemnation. Currently, Netanyahu’s government relies on support from ultra-orthodox and far-right groups, which intend to expand military action in Rafah and confront Hezbollah, despite facing international criticism.
The Government’s Stance
The majority of parliamentary seats are still in favor of Netanyahu’s government, Netanyahu and the Israeli military’s only given stance in the media is that only military operations in Gaza can bring back the hostages.
Some citizens assert the same ideology as Netanyahu. A poll by Newspaper in Israel says that 81.5% believe the military operations in Gaza can Pressure Hamas into releasing the hostages and it is the best way to do so.
Netanyahu has refused all calls for resignation, stating that other claims of not doing enough to bring back the hostages are misleading. He has also dismissed demands for new elections, saying that it would only divide the country, and he called for unity instead.
How is the protest Proceeding?
The protest turned chaotic as the demonstrators attempted to breach the barriers of the Prime Minister’s residence. They grew rowdy and lit a bonfire in the street, but were dispersed by the police, who dragged them back as they tried to break through.
The Israeli police, now under total control of kahanist minister @itamarbengvir have lost control tonight in the protest in Jerusalem. Straight up violence and thuggery. This violence may end up with the police killing someone
— Etan Nechin (@Etanetan23) June 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/UKvCpwjOF1
According to a police report, nine individuals were arrested for attacking the police officers.
Three were hospitalized after the use of water cannon by the police to dispersed the fire.
The protesters were vehemently expressing their anger towards the Prime Minister’s approach to the Gaza and Hezbollah situation, as well as their dissatisfaction with the military draft bill, particularly the exemption it granted to ultra-orthodox Jews from mandatory service, all while waving Israeli flags.
The protestors called for healing the country through protests and the removal of the current government. (Statement by a protestor named Oren Shvill)
