A wave of protests engulfed Israel on Wednesday night, sparked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The demonstrations, which spread across the country, were a direct response to the dismissal, seen by many as a political maneuver aimed at undermining the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The protests, organized under the banner of “Gallant Night 2,” echoed the massive demonstrations that erupted following the attempted sacking of Gallant during the judicial reform controversy. This time, however, the backdrop is a full-blown war in Gaza, adding a layer of urgency and tension to the situation.
Thousands of Israelis, angered by the government’s handling of the hostage crisis and the firing of Gallant, marched on the streets of Tel Aviv, blocking major highways and junctions. Anti-government chants echoed through the city as protesters expressed their frustration and demanded accountability. Similar demonstrations were held in Jerusalem and Haifa, highlighting the widespread dissent against Netanyahu’s actions.
The intensity of the protests was palpable, with police using water cannons to disperse protesters from the Ayalon freeway in Tel Aviv. The situation escalated further when a physical confrontation erupted between police and MK Gilad Kariv of the Labor Party during a Tel Aviv demonstration.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a Labour Party minister, Naama Lazimi, revealed that one of her advisors, who serves as an officer and was wounded in Gaza, was arrested during the Tel Aviv protests. According to Lazimi, the advisor was apprehended after assisting families of hostages who were blocking roads in solidarity with the demonstrations.
While the protests centered around Gallant’s dismissal, the broader issue of the hostage crisis loomed large. Protesters demanded the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, highlighting their desperation and frustration with the government’s handling of the situation.
In a statement, the protest organizations declared, “We are not waiting for the heads of the economy and labour union, starting tomorrow, and without a time limit we are stopping the country.” This message underscores the determination of protesters to exert pressure on the government and force a change in its approach to the hostage crisis.
Amidst the protests, the Israeli police stated their commitment to ensuring security across the country, balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain public order and freedom of movement. They urged protesters to comply with instructions from officers and act responsibly, ensuring the safety of all involved.
The families of the hostages, through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, condemned Gallant’s firing, labeling it a “direct continuation of efforts to sabotage a hostage deal.” They called upon Gallant’s replacement, Israel Katz, to prioritize the immediate return of all hostages and commit to ending the war through a comprehensive agreement.
The Forum further criticized Gallant’s dismissal as a “sad reflection of the flawed priorities of the Israeli government,” arguing that Israel has already achieved its primary military goals in Gaza. The firing of Gallant, therefore, appears to be a significant distraction from the central issue of the hostage crisis and its resolution.
The protests that erupted across Israel represent a potent expression of public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the Gaza conflict and the hostage crisis. The intensity and scale of these demonstrations highlight the deep divisions within Israeli society and the growing demand for a decisive and effective response to the ongoing crisis.
