Anti-government groups in Israel are preparing for a significant "day of disruption" to press for new elections, marking nine months since the unexpected October 7 attack by Hamas, which left 116 hostages still held captive in Gaza, according to Times of Israel.
These demonstrations are part of a broader "week of resistance" initiated by protest groups during their regular weekly protests the previous night. Organizers have announced plans to block major thoroughfares, including Routes 2, 4, and 6, and to hold rallies nationwide. The day’s activities will culminate in a large demonstration outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
Additionally, there will be a rally outside the Tel Aviv offices of the Histadrut labor federation, urging the union to strike in support of the protest groups' call for the government to resign. A demonstration is also scheduled to gather outside the home of Histadrut chief Arnon Bar-David in Kiryat Ono. Bar-David has previously shown support for the anti-government protests, indicating a significant alignment with the protesters’ demands.
Prominent Israeli companies, particularly in the tech and finance sectors, have stated they will allow employees to take time off to participate in the protests. This move highlights the widespread support for the demonstrations within critical economic sectors of the country.
The protest groups are focused on leveraging significant public pressure to push for governmental changes, reflecting a growing frustration with the current administration’s handling of various issues. The planned disruption aims to draw substantial attention to their cause, showcasing a unified demand for new elections and governmental accountability amidst the ongoing conflict and hostage crisis.