Israelis protested on Saturday, demanding new elections and more decisive government action to rescue hostages in Gaza. The demonstrations come as frustrations grow with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the ongoing conflict, now in its seventh month.
Public opinion largely holds Netanyahu responsible for the security oversights that preceded the Hamas attack on October 7. Netanyahu has refused despite calls for early elections, arguing that such a move would benefit Hamas.
Protester Yalon Pikman, 58, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s ongoing policies in Tel Aviv.
During the October 7 attack, Hamas militants captured 253 people and killed about 1,200, as per Israeli reports. Although some hostages were released during a November truce, further negotiations have stalled.
Netanyahu has vowed to persist with military actions in Gaza, aiming to return all hostages and dismantle Hamas. According to Gaza’s health officials, over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
Recent Iranian drone and missile attacks have diverted some focus from Gaza, heightening anxiety among families of the hostages. Sharone Lifschitz, 52, shared concerns about her father, who is still held captive despite her mother being released in November. She noted the increasing despair and fading hope within her family as time progressed.
