Tens of thousands have protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in Tel Aviv, demanding new elections and the return of hostages held in Gaza, AFP reports.

“I am here because I am afraid of the future of my grandchild. There will be no future for them if we don’t go out and get rid of the horrible government,” said 66-year-old contractor Shai Erel.

“All of the rats in the Knesset… I wouldn’t let any one of them be a guard of a kindergarten.”

Yoram, a 50-year-old tour guide who declined to give his last name, said he was attending every weekly protest as Israel needed elections “yesterday” because of Netanyahu.

“I really hope that the government collapses,” he said. “If we go to the original date of elections in 2026, it is not going to be a democratic election.”

Editorial

Updated 01 Aug, 2026

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