Over the weekend, protests rocked Israel, with folks from all over calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ousting. In Tel Aviv, a massive crowd gathered in front of the Israel Defense Force headquarters, marking the largest demonstration against Netanyahu since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. But it wasn't just Tel Aviv; people took to the streets in Jerusalem, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Caesarea, and more, with another protest happening right outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Sunday.
The scene wasn't all peaceful, though. Police rolled in with water cannons on Saturday and ended up arresting 16 folks. The tension simmered partly from the families of Hamas hostages, who accused Netanyahu of putting politics before their loved ones' safe return. Shira Albag, one of the mothers, expressed the frustration, saying, "Enough with the excuses after 176 days and 4,224 hours. We want our loved ones back."
Netanyahu's handling of the hostage situation hasn't been the only bone of contention. He's been at odds with members of his own party and the Israeli war cabinet over the negotiations. While some advised him to be more flexible, Netanyahu stood firm, deeming the proposals too lenient on Hamas.
But that's not all. There's also the matter of Netanyahu trying to sidestep the Israeli High Court's decision regarding funding for ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jewish schools. This move didn't sit well with many, especially since it effectively meant students from these schools could dodge the draft. The Haredis have historically been exempt from military service, a sore point for many other Israeli citizens, including IDF reservists who took to the streets of Mea Shearim, demanding equal treatment.
The discontent with Netanyahu's leadership isn't new. Even before the recent events, his administration was under fire for various reasons. From attempts to meddle with the judiciary's independence to facing accusations of corruption and bribery, Netanyahu has had his hands full. And as the protests continue to gain momentum, it's clear that many in Israel are eager for change.
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