Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in protest against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstrations, organized by various groups including those leading mass protests in 2023, called for holding elections to form a new government.

In front of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, protesters demanded immediate elections, expressing discontent with the current government's performance. One protester, 74-year-old Nurit Robinson, criticized the government, stating, "This government has completely failed."

The protests also addressed the issue of exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from compulsory military service, calling for a fair distribution of the obligation. This issue has been a source of contention in Israeli society.

In addition to the political grievances, some protesters in Tel Aviv blocked a main road to demand action for the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. They criticized the Netanyahu government for its handling of the situation.

The protests come amidst ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip, initiated by Israel in response to attacks by the Palestinian organization Hamas. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, with Israeli soldiers bearing a significant toll.

Israeli media outlets reported that these protests marked some of the largest demonstrations in the country since the beginning of the Gaza war. Prime Minister Netanyahu, while acknowledging the grievances, expressed confidence in finding a solution and cautioned against holding elections at a critical juncture in the conflict.