Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv last night, Thursday, demanding an end to the war in the Gaza Strip and calling for elections.
The protesters, who had gathered in Rabin Square, marched toward the Ministry of Justice, but police stopped them on Namir Street after they deviated from the previously approved route.
Police declared the protest illegal, confiscated loudspeakers and drums from the demonstrators, and forcibly arrested seven of them on charges of “disturbing public order.”
During clashes with the police, a group of soldiers’ mothers sat on the road and refused to leave. One of them was arrested but was released shortly afterward.
The protest in Rabin Square was led by several prominent anti-government activists, including Shikma Bressler, who delivered a speech in the square and addressed Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
She said: “Do not contribute to turning the State of Israel into a banana republic. World history—and our own—teaches us that aiding those seeking absolute power always leads to another, more violent, attack.”
Bressler also referred to the trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: “If the Prime Minister, who is guilty of the failure of October 7, fears the law, he is welcome to accept a plea deal, acknowledge his disgrace, and leave politics. Otherwise, in a democratic state governed by the rule of law, he will testify. Bribery, fraud, and breach of trust are serious crimes in a democracy.”
