Thousands of Israelis protest against Netanyahu’s government

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, July 19 (YPA) – Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday evening in several cities to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The main rally took place at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, where more than 1,000 protesters gathered to oppose a series of laws passed by the governing coalition over the past week.

Protesters carried signs condemning what they described as the “undermining of democracy” and the “weakening of state institutions,” arguing that the new legislation strengthens the government’s authority at the expense of the judiciary and the rule of law.

Among the measures that sparked the protests were the Basic Law: Torah Study, which expands military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) yeshiva students; a law suspending the arrest of draft evaders; legislation limiting the powers of the government’s legal adviser (Attorney General); and another bill concerning public broadcasting, which critics say would increase government control over the media.

During the demonstration, Gilad Golan, the father of Israeli officer Shagi Golan, who was killed in the fighting at Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023, accused the government of evading responsibility for the failures that preceded the Hamas-led attack.

“As long as the government refuses to take responsibility or establish an official commission of inquiry, there is no hope for change,” he said.

Protesters also chanted slogans including, “Our children are crying out from the ground, and no one answers,” calling for accountability over the failures of October 7 and the establishment of a state commission of inquiry.

They said the demonstrations will continue in the coming weeks to pressure the government, calling for its resignation and for the formation of an official commission to investigate the events of October 7, 2023.

@E.Y.M