Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Jerusalem today, demanding the resignation of the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and announcement of elections.

The dissolution of the war council a few days ago, after the departure of (retired generals) Benny Gantz and Gandhi Eysenkot from the centrist “National Unity” party, left Prime Minister Netanyahu dependent on ultra-Orthodox and far-right partners. Their hardline agenda had divided Israeli public opinion even before the October 7 attack by Hamas that sparked the war in the Gaza Strip.

Following the departure of Gantz and Eisenkot, opposition parties announced a week of vigorous mobilization that would include highway blockades and mass demonstrations.

Shortly before sunset, thousands of protesters gathered outside the Israeli parliament (Knesset) planned to march on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence. Many waved Israeli flags, others held placards criticizing Netanyahu’s handling of a range of issues – from the war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon to the controversial bill exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service.

“The healing process for the State of Israel begins here. After Gantz and Eisenkot left the coalition (including the war council) last week, we continue this process and hope that this government will resign soon,” said Oren Svil, who participated in the demonstration.