In Israel, thousands of people demonstrated for the release of hostages kidnapped by the Palestinian radical Islamic organization Hamas. Last night in Tel Aviv, people, including relatives and friends of the more than 240 hostages, chanted: “Bring them home now” in front of the Ministry of Defense.
In Jerusalem, hundreds of people gathered in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence and demanded his resignation. “We want a vote to get rid of Netanyahu. I hope the demonstrations continue and grow”, said Netta Zin, 39 years old. “You betrayed us.”
Netanyahu under pressure
Netanyahu was already under intense political pressure before the major Hamas attack on October 7. Since January, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets every week against the controversial judicial reform of Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government. Judicial reform aims to limit the powers of the judiciary and the Supreme Court and strengthen the position of Parliament and the Prime Minister.
A recent poll by Israeli television channel Channel 13 shows that more than three-quarters of Israelis think Netanyahu should resign, Portal reported. 64 percent believe Israel should hold elections immediately after the war. 44 percent blamed Netanyahu for the Hamas attack.