Thousands Rally in Israel to Demand Netanyahu's Resignation
- Military
Israel – Tens of thousands of people across Israel joined the families of hostages this weekend to protest against the government and call for the removal of Benjamin Netanyahu, as the Israeli prime minister grappled with one of the most serious threats yet to his coalition.
The protesters in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, Caesarea and other cities on Saturday and at a further demonstration outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Sunday, demanded the release of those still held captive in Gaza after close to six months, and labelled Netanyahu an obstacle to the deal, vowing to persist until he leaves power.
“It’s been 176 days that I haven’t turned a blind eye to the thoughts and fear of what Liri and the other abductees are going through,” said Shira Albag, the mother of one hostage, Liri Albag, as reported from the Guardian site.
Tentara Israel, tank, howitzer dan kendaraan lapis baja terlihat ketika mobilitas militer Israel terus berlanjut di perbatasan Gaza, di Nahal Oz (Doc: Anadolu Ajansi)
- VIVA.co.id/Natania Longdong
“The people of Israel won’t forget or forgive anyone who prevents a deal that would bring them (the hostages) back to us. After 176 days, 4,224 hours, the excuses have run out,"
Netanyahu is entering the most precarious week for his coalition since the war began as a deadline imposed by the Israeli supreme court to end the exemption for ultra-Orthodox men from military conscription is reached on Monday.
The issue divides the coalition between rightwing religious and secular parties, who want to see conscription shared more equally among Jewish Israelis.
At a press conference on Sunday evening, Netanyahu said Israel would press ahead with an offensive against Rafah, where half of Gaza’s population is estimated to be sheltering, and he said a combination of military pressure and flexibility in talks would bring about the release of hostages.
The nationwide protests also coincided with reports from the Egyptian TV station Al-Qahera, known for its ties to the country’s intelligence services, indicating that negotiations for a truce between Israel and Hamas were scheduled to resume in Cairo.
