Thousands of people on Tuesday protested against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of his defense minister, demanding that the government do everything in its power to bring home hostages held in Gaza.
The demonstration erupted soon after Netanyahu’s office announced the sacking of Yoav Gallant following public differences over the war with Hamas.
The removal of Gallant coincided with the presidential election in the US, Israel’s top military backer.
Photo: AP
Netanyahu and Gallant have frequently clashed over Israel’s retaliatory military offensive against Hamas following the Palestinian militant group’s deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7 last year.
“Over the past few months ... trust has eroded. In light of this, I decided today to end the term of the defense minister,” Netanyahu’s office said, adding that Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz would take his place.
Shortly afterward, thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv, chanting slogans against Netanyahu and demanding the return of 97 hostages held in Gaza.
Protesters blocked traffic and lit fires, with some wearing “Bring them home now” T-shirts, referring to the hostages.
They held signs with slogans such as: “We deserve better leaders” and “Leaving no one behind.”
Jonathan Rynhold of the political studies department at Bar-Ilan University said that Netanyahu was feeling “emboldened because he is improving in the polls.”
“He is also taking advantage of the fact that the US election is happening today [Tuesday] ... everyone’s focus is elsewhere,” Rynhold said.
After Trump won on Tuesday, Netanyahu yesterday congratulated him, calling the win “history’s greatest comeback” and a new beginning in the US-Israel alliance.
“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” he said in a statement issued by his office.
“This is a huge victory,” he added.
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