Thousands to Rally in Israel Against Judicial Overhaul, Hostage Crisis

Tens of thousands of Israelis are expected to take to the streets on Saturday evening, demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and protesting against the judicial overhaul efforts and dismissal of key officials by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

The main demonstration, organized by a coalition of protest groups, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Habima Square in Tel Aviv. Protesters will later march to Begin Street, where families of the hostages regularly hold rallies.

At Hostages Square, freed hostage Iair Horn, whose brother Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, will address the crowd alongside Eli Shtivi, father of hostage Idan Shtivi; Bar Godard, daughter of hostage Manny Godard; Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker; Major General (Ret.) Yom-Tov Samia; and actor Michael Rapaport.

Demonstrations will also take place in Jerusalem, Carmei Gat, and Sha’ar HaNegev Junction, with families of the hostages urging all Israelis, regardless of political affiliation, to join the rallies.

The protests come amid heightened tensions following:

• The passage of judicial overhaul legislation by Netanyahu’s government.
• An impasse in hostage negotiations and renewed fighting in Gaza.
• The firing of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and moves to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

A recent Channel 12 poll found that 69% of Israelis support ending the war in exchange for a deal to free all remaining hostages, while 21% oppose such an agreement. Among Netanyahu’s coalition voters, 54% favor the deal, compared to 32% against.