Over the weekend, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to voice their demands regarding the Israeli government and the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Tel Aviv Protests:
In Tel Aviv, demonstrators gathered on main streets, calling for the resignation of the Israeli government. Some protesters were observed burning fires and clashing with police. The protesters also blocked the Ayalon Highway, a crucial inter-city freeway in the Tel Aviv area, chanting for the release of hostages. Among the protesters was Na'ama Lazimi, a member of the Knesset.
Jerusalem and Caesarea Protests:
In Jerusalem and Caesarea, thousands of family members of hostages held in Gaza demanded the release of their loved ones. Video footage on social media captured arrests of protesters near Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's private residence in Caesarea. Israeli police reported arresting four individuals in Caesarea and two in Jerusalem.
Police Response:
The Israel Police approved the protests but noted that some demonstrators acted illegally by lighting fires on Menachem Begin Road and blocking traffic. When protesters refused to clear the roads, police had to intervene to disperse the crowds and restore order.
