Protests Erupt in Israel, Demanding Netanyahu Resignation: Here's What's Happening

Demanding Netanyahu Resignation: Thousands of Israelis took to the streets Monday in Israel's Jerusalem to highlight the nation's deteriorating political split, perhaps the largest display of public discontent since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

The largest protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government since the conflict began on October 7 last year, tens of thousands gathered in Jerusalem on Sunday night.

A demonstration outside the Knesset in Jerusalem took place on Sunday to call for the release of those still held captive in Gaza after close to six months, and protesters in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Caesarea and others demanded the release of those still held captive. They said Netanyahu was an "obstacle" to the deal, and vowed to persist until he left.

With banners emblazoned with powerful messages such as "Elections now" and rallying cries such as "You destroyed the country, and we'll fix it," the protest gained momentum partly because it was organized by groups that previously spearheaded anti-government protests.

Before his surgery for a hernia, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, rebuffed calls for early elections, stating that such a move would prolong the conflict and jeopardize ongoing hostage negotiations.

“It’s been 176 days that I haven’t turned a blind eye to the thoughts and fear of what Liri and the other abductees are going through,” said Shira Albag, the mother of one hostage, Liri Albag. “The people of Israel won’t forget or forgive anyone who prevents a deal that would bring them [the hostages] back to us. After 176 days, 4,224 hours, the excuses have run out.”

Before a segment of the crowd attempted to block Begin Boulevard, a vital Jerusalem thoroughfare, protesters assembled outside Israel's parliament in a mosaic of frustration and determination. An issue further aggravated by the ongoing conflict occurred in the ultra-orthodox enclave of Mea She'arim, where demonstrators voiced opposition to the exemption of ultra-orthodox religious students from mandatory military service.

In addition, Netanyahu has rejected the US strategy of supporting the Palestinian State as a part of a broader "grand bargain" aimed at reshaping the Middle East. In the opinion of critics, he maintains his opposition to President Biden's post-conflict Gaza governance plans to solidify his support from far-right groups in Israel. —a stance that both galvanized his base and stoked resentment among critics and sections of the Israeli population.

He expressed confidence in the government's ability to resolve the conscription quandary, a divisive issue that highlights broader societal divides.

Protesters blamed Netanyahu's leadership for failing to ensure security and safeguard Israeli lives as protests continued in Jerusalem's streets.

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