Tens of thousands of people gathered in Jerusalem on Sunday to protest against Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service. The rally, organized by protest groups that led mass demonstrations in 2023, called for a new election to replace the current government.
The protesters are demanding a more equal share in the burden of army service, especially in light of the recent casualties in the military. Since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza, around 600 soldiers have been killed, marking the military’s highest casualty toll in years.
The demonstration, reported to be the largest since the war began, drew tens of thousands of people according to news outlets. Criticism has been mounting against Netanyahu’s cabinet over the security failure during the Hamas attack, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages being taken to Gaza.
The ongoing war in the Palestinian enclave has exacerbated tensions over the issue of exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students from military service. With a deadline approaching for the government to address this longstanding issue, Netanyahu filed a last-minute application to the Supreme Court for a deferment.
Protesters at the rally waved Israeli flags and chanted for new elections. Netanyahu expressed confidence in finding a solution but warned against holding an election during a time of war, stating it would paralyze the country. In Tel Aviv, families of hostages blocked a main highway, demanding the return of their loved ones.