Israelis protest for hostages, Netanyahu's resignation
Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in three major cities on Saturday night to protest the government's handling of the ongoing conflict with Hamas, The Times of Israel has reported.
In Tel Aviv, protesters gathered outside the Prime Minister's residence, demanding that the government take more action to secure the release of more than 130 Israeli hostages held by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
In Jerusalem, protesters gathered at the Western Wall, chanting slogans against Netanyahu and calling for his resignation.
According to press reports, Hamas is demanding a ceasefire as a precondition for any agreement.
Anti-Netanyahu protests had died down after the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, but they have resurfaced as the war in Gaza enters its fourth month and opinion polls show Netanyahu's support waning. Calls for a change in leadership are growing louder, although there is no indication that Netanyahu's position is imminently in danger.
Even as divisions have emerged among members of his war cabinet, Netanyahu has vowed to stay in power. Opposition leaders have offered to form a unity government that would not be led by Netanyahu, but no movement has coalesced.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
