Netanyahu’s coalition begins to split amid protests in Tel Aviv

Thousands of anti-Israel government protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv this Saturday (18) to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition.

The protest calls for the resignation of the leader of the far-right coalition and the call for new elections for the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

#TelAviv tonight: Tens of thousands are back on the streets calling for Netanyahu’s ouster.

▪️ Rallies held as War Cabinet Min Gantz issues an ultimatum to Netanyahu.

▪️ For the 1st time, Opposition Leader Lapid speaks at Tel Aviv rally. pic.twitter.com/iPvNvezHNz

— Yonatan Touval (@Yonatan_Touval) May 18, 2024

The police were called to disperse the thousands of people who were blocking Ayalon Avenue, one of the capital’s main roads. Cavalry and tanks with water cannons were used. The police apparatus is commanded by the Ministry of National Security, owned by supremacist Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of Israel’s main far-right party, Jewish Power.

Police said they arrested a protester for “unlawfully demonstrating after the end of the authorized protest” and issued a $271 fine.

An anti-Netanyahu protester, who lost six relatives in Hamas attacks on October 7, has been the target of the wrath of Zionist militants. Gadi Kedem was beaten by right-wing extremists who shouted “leftist traitor”.

A few blocks away, another group gathered in Hostage Square to demand a ceasefire that would allow for the return of live hostages and the remains of those who lost their lives in Gaza following intense bombings since October.

Minister threatens to break coalition

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has threatened to leave the government if Netanyahu does not announce by June 8 a new war plan that includes an international, Arab and Palestinian administration to deal with civil affairs in Gaza.

Speaking in the city of Ramat Gan this Saturday (18), Gantz warned that if his demands are not met, he will leave the government.

Gantz’s party, Israel Resilience, is part of the far-right coalition that has governed Israel since 2022.

Gantz said the plan should include: eliminating Hamas, bringing back the hostages, establishing an alternative government in the Gaza Strip, bringing back Israeli residents to northern Israel and establishing a plan to make progress toward normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.