Tens of thousands protest against Israeli government

On Saturday, tens of thousands of protesters waving Israeli flags and chanting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government gathered in Tel Aviv, calling for new elections and the return of captives held in Gaza.

Weekly protests have been held in the city over Netanyahu’s handling of the ongoing war in Gaza, which began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7.

Protesters carried signs saying “Crime Minister” and “Stop the War” as they filled Tel Aviv’s main thoroughfare.

“I am here because I fear for my grandchild’s future. There will be no future if we don’t remove this terrible government,” said Shai Erel, a 66-year-old contractor. “I wouldn’t trust any of those in the Knesset to even guard a kindergarten.”

Hofshi Israel, an anti-government protest group, estimated over 150,000 people attended, calling it the largest rally since the Gaza war started.

Some protesters lay on the ground covered in red paint in Democracy Square, symbolizing the death of democracy under Netanyahu.

Yuval Diskin, former head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency, addressed the crowd, criticizing Netanyahu as Israel’s “worst prime minister.”

Many are dissatisfied with Israel’s right-wing coalition, including Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and other far-right ultra-nationalists, accusing them of prolonging the Gaza conflict and jeopardizing Israel’s security and captives.

Yoram, a 50-year-old tour guide, said he attends every weekly protest, believing Israel needs immediate elections due to Netanyahu’s leadership. “I really hope the government collapses,” he said. “Waiting until the scheduled 2026 elections won’t be democratic.”

On October 7, Hamas militants captured 251 individuals, with Israel believing 116 remain in Gaza, including 41 who the Israeli army says are deceased.

A separate rally on Saturday night drew thousands of relatives and supporters of the captives.

The October 7 attack on Israel allegedly resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, based on official Israeli figures. Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza have killed at least 37,551 people, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory.