Last night, Jerusalem witnessed a massive outpouring of Anti-Government Protests and public dissent as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators across the country rallied against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government. An estimated 150,000 protesters gathered before the Knesset, demanding immediate elections to address the country’s political crisis.
The Anti-Government Protests began with a rally at the Knesset, after which protesters marched towards the Prime Minister’s residence on 35 Gaza Street. The police erected pressure fences and deployed trucks to block traffic, responding with water cannons when protesters attempted to dismantle the barriers. Eight individuals were arrested during the confrontation.
The protest organizers announced that this was the first in a series of demonstrations planned for the week. They believe that only sustained and determined protests against the Knesset, the government, and Netanyahu himself can bring about the desired change. According to the organizers, “Netanyahu is leading Israel to the point of destruction from which it will no longer be able to recover. The entire Zionist project is on the brink of destruction because of one person who prefers his personal good over the good of the country.”
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Several organizations participated in the Anti-Government Protests, including “The Brothers in Arms.” This group had previously assisted residents of settlements attacked by Hamas on October 7, stepping in to fulfill their needs when the government failed to act. The Brothers in Arms also staged protest performances to remind the government of the events of October 7, featuring burnt vehicles and simulated house fires. They criticized the government for losing public trust and accused its leaders of avoiding responsibility while promoting laws that exempt ultra-Orthodox youth from military service.
Shikma Bresler, a leader of the protest that began in January 2024, delivered a powerful speech condemning the government’s inaction and moral failures. She cited former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot’s remarks about the prime minister being controlled by extremist factions. “The truth is clear – the State of Israel has no leadership,” Bresler declared.
Major Yair Golan, Chairman of the Labor Party, also addressed the rally, accusing the government of neglect, hypocrisy, and self-preservation. He highlighted the government’s preference for promoting cronies over serving the public good and blamed Netanyahu for prolonging the conflict and failing to address the October 7 attacks adequately.
Eran Schwartz, CEO of the “Free in our Land” protest headquarters, emphasized the situation’s urgency. “The week of resistance shows that the citizens of Israel are no longer ready to remain silent in the face of a government that has lost public trust and is failing in every area,” Schwartz said. He called for immediate elections, stressing that only a broad, agreed-upon Zionist government with executive capabilities can navigate the country’s many challenges.
As the protests continue, the demand for elections grows louder, with organizers and participants alike determined to see a change in leadership and direction for Israel.
