In Israel, demonstrations demanding early elections have surged across 60 locations, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheba, Rehovot, Caesarea, and Ness Ziona. These protests, some drawing thousands of participants, have been ongoing for months, typically on Saturday evenings. However, the latest wave of protests marks the first since Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet and returned to the opposition. Gantz had initially joined the cabinet shortly after the conflict with Hamas erupted on October 7, according to Times of Israel.
This significant political shift is likely to energize the protest movement against Netanyahu's administration. The demonstrations underscore widespread discontent and a growing call for political change in the country.
In one of the early confrontations on Saturday, tensions flared at the Amiad junction in northern Israel, where police detained and forcibly removed a senior citizen who had been involved in blocking a road. Such incidents reflect the high-stakes atmosphere surrounding these protests.
Among the various demonstrations, the one in Beersheba stands out for featuring a screening of the film “Bringing Down a Dictator.” This documentary chronicles the fall of Slobodan Milosevic, the former Serbian leader who died in 2006 while facing a UN tribunal for 66 counts of crimes against humanity, including genocide. The choice of this film highlights the protestors' framing of their struggle in broader, historical contexts of resistance against oppressive regimes.
In a parallel effort, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum continues its weekly rallies in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square. This group, advocating for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas to facilitate the rescue of hostages, is dedicating its current rally to the theme of Father’s Day, which is observed on June 21. The focus is on the men and fathers held in captivity, aiming to draw attention to their plight and galvanize support for their release.