As the Israel-Hamas war enters its ninth month, tensions are reaching a boiling point on the streets of Israeli cities. Weekly protests calling for a hostage deal and early elections erupted into violence Saturday night, with clashes between demonstrators and police in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
As reported by the Times of Israel, In the capital, outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence, the scene turned ugly as police forcefully arrested protesters attempting to block roads. One officer was caught on camera threatening a detained protester with graphic and disturbing threats. Another demonstrator was pinned against a car hood, with officers grabbing his neck as onlookers pleaded for them to stop.
The unrest comes amid growing frustration with Netanyahu's handling of hostage negotiations. After telling right-wing media he would only accept a "partial deal" with Hamas, protesters' anger has intensified. Many, including families of the estimated 116 hostages still held in Gaza, are demanding more urgent action to secure their release.
In Tel Aviv, Labor Party MK Naama Lazimi reported being assaulted by police despite her parliamentary immunity. Video showed officers shoving and grabbing her as she tried to intervene between police and protesters.
At a separate rally in Tel Aviv focused on the hostages' plight, family members spoke of their anguish. Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik was abducted on October 7, cast doubt on military operations as a solution. "These rescue operations here and there will not remedy the situation," he said, advocating instead for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
As the crisis drags on, some protest groups are calling for more drastic measures. Outside the headquarters of Israel's largest labor union, demonstrators lit fires and demanded a general strike to pressure the government into action. Anti-government organizations are also planning a nationwide business shutdown on July 7, marking nine months since Hamas's devastating attack.
With no resolution in sight and patience wearing thin, Israel's streets may see more turbulent days ahead. The government faces mounting pressure to bring the hostages home, while also contending with a populace increasingly critical of its wartime leadership.