Israelis Demand Ceasefire and Early Elections in Largest Protest Since Gaza War Began

As Netanyahu faces surgery and criticism, protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv call for action on hostages and military service exemptions.

Tens of thousands of Israelis protested in Jerusalem against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, demanding a ceasefire with Hamas to free hostages and early elections.
Netanyahu, facing a hernia surgery and criticism over his leadership during the Israel-Hamas war, vowed to continue the military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
The protests also targeted Netanyahu's failure to address the issue of exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service, adding to the public's grievances.
Families of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack have become increasingly vocal in their criticism of Netanyahu's government, accusing it of hindering efforts to secure the hostages' release.
Netanyahu's government faces a crisis over the military service exemptions issue, with a Supreme Court ruling suspending state funding for seminary students liable for conscription.