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Thousands in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu: anti-government demonstration, some walk towards premier’s house

A Tel Aviv anti-government protest grows: protests over dismissals and escalation in Gaza

Several thousand people took part in the weekly anti-government demonstration that took place in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square, with participation up sharply from previous weekends. Whereas in previous weeks the demonstrators had occupied only half of the square, this time they seem to have filled it completely.

The surge in participation coincides with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, fuelling the protest against the government. Moreover, the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Gaza, which ended the ceasefire that had been in place for weeks, further heightened tensions.

On a screen mounted on a stage, protesters saw the words ‘Stop the dictatorship craze’ projected, a clear reference to Netanyahu’s actions. The crowd, covered in Israeli flags, chanted slogans such as: ‘Netanyahu is an abandoner, Netanyahu is not competent!’

Numerous symbols of the centre-left opposition parties were present, including Yesh Atid and The Democrats, with flags and banners, while leaders Yair Lapid and Yair Golan, who are expected to speak, are the main exponents of these formations. The demonstration, therefore, is becoming increasingly significant, with the voices of protest being heard louder than ever against the current government of Israel.

According to some media reports, some protesters are proceeding towards the premier’s house. The protesters, who had managed to avoid being blocked by a few policemen, were later blocked by reinforcements sent to block the approach to the prime minister’s house.

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