Anti-government protests take place in Israel, some detained
This was reported by Ukrinform with reference to Reuters.
The day before, a crowd of thousands gathered near the Knesset (Israeli parliament). People were holding Israeli flags. Others carried placards criticising Netanyahu's actions on certain issues, such as the promotion of an army bill that would exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from compulsory service, as well as his attitude to the war with Hamas in Gaza and the fight against Lebanese Hezbollah.
As the demonstration grew more and more restless, the participants moved towards Netanyahu's private home. Upon reaching the house, some of the protesters tried to break through the barriers set up by the police; a fire was set outside. Police used water cannon to disperse the demonstration.
Nine people were arrested, some of them for assaulting police officers.
Netanyahu's hardline policies had caused a serious split in Israeli society even before the 7 October Hamas attack. However, the almost weekly demonstrations have not changed the political landscape, and Netanyahu still controls a stable majority in parliament.
After former generals Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot left the military government, opposition groups announced a week of street protests, including blocking of motorways and mass demonstrations.
As reported by Ukrinform, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to dissolve the military cabinet, which was created after the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.
Photo: EPA
