World
Israelis Demand Cease-fire and New Elections
Israeli citizens are calling for a cease-fire and fresh elections amidst ongoing political turmoil. Stay updated on the latest developments in Israel.
Israelis marked the nine-month anniversary of the Hamas-led attack of Oct. 7 with nationwide anti-government protests, calling for a cease-fire deal with Hamas and the return of hostages, as well as new elections in Israel. Protesters disrupted morning traffic in major cities and highways, with central Tel Aviv experiencing significant blockades by midday.
While progress has been made towards a tentative cease-fire deal, concerns persist among Israelis, especially the families of hostages, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government might prioritize its survival over reaching a deal that could end the conflict. Ultra-nationalist parties within the coalition have threatened to bring down the government if a deal is agreed upon before Hamas is fully eliminated, a goal considered unattainable by many officials and experts.
Protest leader Shikma Bressler highlighted the far-right parties’ reluctance for a deal, stating in a social media post, “They don’t want a deal. They need Armageddon.”