On 1 September 2024, after six hostages were found killed in the Gaza Strip, the protest organizations announced a day of demonstrations, with more than 500,000 people having protested throughout the country and outside of it for a hostage deal. The Histadrut went on a day of strike the following day.[7]
According to ACLED, as of December 19, 2024, a total of 1,667 protests have taken place in Israel since October 2023.[13] The majority of these demonstrations have called for the release of hostages and the resignation of the government.[14] At least 10 of these protests had more than 100,000 participants.[14][15]
2023 - Early protests
On 11 November 2023, thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv to demand the release of the hostages.[16]
On 18 November 2023, Tens of thousands of Israelis, including families of Gaza captives, completed a five-day march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, demanding the Israeli government prioritize the hostage deal. Hours after the march, Netanyahu said: "We walk with you, I walk with you. All of Israel walks by your side".[17]
On 25 November 2023, approximately 100,000 people gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to mark "50 Days of Hell" since the Hamas-led attack on Israel.
January 2024
On 28 January 2024, police arrested several protesters in Kaplan Interchange in Tel Aviv, while hundreds were dispersed by force.[18]
April 2024
On 2 April 2024, a protest outside Netanyahu's residence turned into clashes with police. Five people were arrested and one officer was injured in the melee.[19]
On 6 April 2024, during an anti-government rally in Tel Aviv, a driver deliberately accelerated into a crowd of protesters, injuring five.[20]
June 2024
On 18 June 2024, a protest took place on Gaza Street in Jerusalem near Netanyahu’s residence. It soon turned into riots; three people were injured and nine were arrested.[21][22]
On 27 June 2024, the protest organizers announced "civil strike day", blocking Highway 4 and Ayalon Highway, as well as other routes in Israel, while lighting fires.[23]
July 2024
On 20 July 2024, thousands of protesters rallied in Tel Aviv, demanding that Netanyahu stay in Israel to continue talks with Hamas in order to reach a hostage deal.[24] Right-wing counter protesters threw stones at them and minor clashes occurred.[25]
Israel March Together protest march from Re'im to Jerusalem - March 2024A protester holds a poster of a hostage held in Gaza near a bonfire on the Ayalon Highway.
On 21 July 2024, protesters blocked Ben Gurion Airport, ahead of Netanyahu's departure for a meeting in the United States,[26] and chanted: "No deal, no flight".[27]
August 2024
On 10 August 2024, thousands of Israelis joined weekly anti-government protests demanding a hostage deal. Protesters were threatened with arrest in Hadera.[28]
On 17 August 2024, tens of thousands around Israel joined weekly anti-government protests, calling for a deal to release the hostages and the resignation of the government.[29] In Ness Ziona, the grandfather of hostage Naama Levy addressed a demonstration.[30]
On 24 August 2024, thousands of Israelis joined weekly anti-government protests, demanding a hostage deal and the resignation of the government.[31][32] Israeli police arrested seven demonstrators.
On 31 August 2024, families of hostages and many others protested in Tel Aviv and across Israel, leading to clashes with police. Natalie Atedgi, sister of hostage Matan Zangauker, was hospitalized after getting injured by a mounted police officer.[33] Some blocked Ayalon highway for a short time, and were confronted by right-wing activists.[34]
On 1 September 2024, the trade union Histadrut announced a one-day general strike to be held on the following day in protest for refraining from reaching a prisoners deal with Hamas.[7] The largest protests since the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel took place on the same day, with 300,000 protesting in Tel Aviv and 200,000 in additional parts of Israel, according to Hostages and Missing Families Forum.[35] MK Naama Lazimi was injured when police threw stun grenades into Ayalon highway.[36] A total of 34 protesters were arrested, but courts released 18 of them without further punishment.[37] At least 4 were injured.[38]
"Stopping The State" protest, Tel Aviv
The Israel Business Forum, which represents around 200 of the country's biggest companies, said workers "would be allowed to join the strike." The Arab citizens of Israel joined the strike.[39] The planned strike started officially on 2 September at 6 AM and was scheduled to last until evening, but a petition against it was filed at a labour court, which demanded to end the strike earlier than originally planned. At least 13 were arrested for blocking Ayalon highway.[40]
On 2 September 2024, tens of thousands of Israelis protested for the second "Day of Rage". In Tel Aviv, protesters marched to the Metzudat Ze'ev (Likud HQ). In Jerusalem, protesters broke through barriers near Netanyahu's residence and clashes occurred with the police, who forcefully arrested several.[41] Netanyahu's speech about the Philadelphi Corridor was met with mixed reactions from Israeli politicians and public opinion.[42]
On 3 September 2024, thousands of Israelis protested for the third "Day of Rage". Protesters accused Netanyahu of "thwarting" a deal to retain control of Philadelphi Corridor.[43] 1,000 people gathered in the city of Rehovot in a show of support for the family of abducted soldier Nimrod Cohen.[44] In Jerusalem, protesters lined the streets around Paris Square.[44] Some also gathered outside the homes of Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Foreign Minister Israel Katz.[44]
Protesters light a smoke torch, Tel Aviv, 1st September 2024
On 4 September 2024, thousands of Israelis protested for the fourth "Day of Rage".[45][46][47] Demonstrators gathered in front of the homes of the Ministers Israel Katz, Shlomo Karhi, Yoav Kish, Ron Dermer, and some others across the country. The main protest took place outside the Begin Gate of the Kirya Base in Tel Aviv. Clashes occurred with the police. Protesters also blocked Highway 4.[46]
On 5 September 2024, thousands of Israelis protested for the fifth "Day of Rage" in Tel Aviv.[48][49][50] Hundreds more protested in several locations in Jerusalem.[49][51]
On 7 September 2024, hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested in 95 different locations across Israel.[52][53] Organizers estimate some 400,000 at a Tel Aviv rally. Thousands also demonstrated in Beersheba, Haifa, and Jerusalem.[54][55] Dozens demonstrated outside the District Court of Tel Aviv after a protester was arrested and imprisoned at Neve Tirtza.[56] Hundreds demonstrated at Kibbutz HaOgen, on Highway 4, and on Pardes Hanna-Karkur.[57] Protesters blocked Ayalon Highway for a short period of time.[58][59] Five protesters were arrested in Tel Aviv,[60] and three were injured.[61][62]
Protesters hold a sign saying "Time is up, 136 hostages" (Hebrew: הזמן אזל, 136 חטופים
On 14 September 2024, 100,000 Israelis[15] protested in 67 locations across Israel, including Tel Aviv,[63] Haifa,[64] Jerusalem,[65] and Caesarea, next to Prime Minister Netanyahu's private residence. In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered outside the IDF headquarters, demanding a hostage deal.[66] During the protests, the family of Matan Angrest, a hostage, released a recording of him from captivity.[67] Protesters later gathered near the Halacha Bridge and burned tires.[67] Fifteen protesters were arrested in Tel Aviv,[68] and one was arrested in Jerusalem.[65] Small skirmishes broke out between protesters and police in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.[65][69] Israeli politician and a former member of the Knesset for the Labor Party, Ami Ayalon, said: "Non-violentcivil disobedience is the order of the day, it's our duty".[67]
On 21 September 2024, tens of thousands of Israelis protested in 91 locations across Israel,[52] including Tel Aviv,[70] Haifa,[71] Jerusalem, Rehovot and HaOgen junction.[72] Protesters also gathered outside the home of Israeli president Isaac Herzog.[71] Yehuda Cohen, father of hostage Nimrod Cohen, asked the international community to pressure Netanyahu ahead of the rally taking place in Tel Aviv.[71] Protesters accompanied chairman of Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Yuli Edelstein, on the walk to his synagogue, a week after women were arrested for distributing hostage flyers there.[73] The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced that "only an unprecedented, widespread and powerful public struggle will bring them back".[71]
An Israeli flag with stickers that read: 'Democracy or Revolution,' 'New Leadership,' and 'Because of you, they were murdered' (referring to Netanyahu)
October 2024
On 7 October 2024, Israelis protested nationwide against Netanyahu, marking one year since the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Some protesters set off a siren outside Beit Aghion, Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem.[74] Thousands more formed human chains in over 70 locations.[52][75] At the same time, a demonstration calling for the release of hostages was held in front of the Begin Gate at the Kirya in Tel Aviv.[76]
On 22 October 2024, protests erupted in Tel Aviv during U.S. Secretary of StateAntony Blinken's visit to Israel.[77] Protesters gathered beneath the hotel where Blinken was staying and held signs against Netanyahu and for a hostage deal.[78][79]
On December 27, 2024, protest movements called for civil disobedience across Israel, urging sit-ins, work strikes, and school boycotts.[87]
On December 28, 2024, tens of thousands of Israelis protested in 52 different locations across the country, urging the government to stop the war and agree to the hostage deal.[88][89]
January 2025
On January 1, 2025, relatives of the Gaza hostages blocked Ayalon Highway, lighting torches and a large Hanukkah menorah, calling for a hostage deal and a ceasefire.[90][91]
Hunger strike
Dr. Avi Ofer went on a hunger strike for 35 days, from 4 May to 4 June 2024,[92] calling for the release of the hostages.[93] Other protesters joined his hunger strike as well; [93] some reports state that 200 Israelis participated in some form of hunger strike during this 35 day period.[94]
On 18 September 2024, 14 activists went on a hunger strike, initiated by Israeli anti-war activist Orna Shimoni, aged 83.[95][96][97]David Agmon, who served as the bureau chief for Netanyahu, also joined the hunger strike.[98][99] The hunger strikers frequently gather outside the Knesset, with some even setting up protest camps there.[100][99]
On 5 October 2024, the number of hunger strikers grew to 18.[99][101] In the same month, it was reported that 15 doctors had joined the hunger strike.[102]
Movements
Hostages and Missing Families Forum
The youth march calling for the return of the kidnapped in Gaza
A key part of the protest movement, their demands are;
Immediate release of all hostages, since their holding is contrary to international law and defined as a war crime and a crime against humanity.
Immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to supply medicines and necessary equipment to the chronically ill and injured and examination of all hostages by a doctor.
Intervention and assistance of the leaders of the neighboring countries in favor of the immediate release of the kidnapped hostages.
"National Disruption Day", 20 May 2024
Kulanu Hatufim
Kulanu Hatufim (Hebrew: כולנו חטופים; lit.'we are all hostages') is an organization advocating for the hostages held in Gaza. Members of the organization include family members of the hostages, along with many supporters. They protest every day at HaKirya (near the office of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces at the gate on Begin Road), demanding an immediate deal to release the hostages.
Minister of National SecurityItamar Ben-Gvir criticized the protesters and addressed a counter-demonstration in Jerusalem.[106] Ben-Gvir was criticized for seizing control of the police to suppress anti-government protests.[107][108] According to Ma'arach Atzurim (Arrested Array), as of 3 July 2024, 1,635 Israelis had been arrested since 1 January 2023, and more than 700 were arrested since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war.[109][110][111]
The violence monitoring organization Alimut Israel reported 1,536 incidents of violence in 2024, with the majority attributed to police actions.[112] Among these, 1,233 incidents involved physical assaults, 282 incidents involved violent arrests, and the remaining 193 incidents involved mounted police violence.[112]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has largely remained defiant in the face of protests and strikes,[116] often ignoring them. However, in one instance, he criticized the protesters, describing them as "a violent and extremist minority funded by external sources".[117]
After the wave of protests in September 2024, Netanyahu made a speech about the Philadelphi corridor without mentioning the protests.[118]
Israel's Leader of the OppositionYair Lapid supported the strike of the Histadrut and the September protests and accused the Netanyahu administration of leading the nation into "the greatest anarchy".[119]
Worldwide
In September 2024, US President Joe Biden said that Netanyahu needed to make more of an effort to secure a hostage deal and ceasefire with Hamas.[120][118]
