Anti-government protests sprung up in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Saturday as the war in Gaza approaches the six-month mark and more than 100 hostages remain in captivity.

Protesters in Tel Aviv blocked the city’s ring road while demanding early elections as well as calling for the release of hostages by Hamas.

In Jerusalem, hundreds of protesters picketed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence, blaming his far-right government for failing to secure the release of the around 130 hostages believed to still be in Gaza — 33 of whom are presumed dead.

Israeli police said in a post on X it was working to maintain public order as protesters blocked major roads.
Protesters call for progress in negotiations
Police clashed with protesters in Tel Aviv, calling the action illegal and using water cannons to disperse them. Smaller protests were also reported in smaller cities around the country.

Relatives of some of the hostages were also present at the demonstrations.

Israeli media reported that 16 people were arrested.

The anti-government protesters are planning a series of demonstrations starting on Sunday in Jerusalem.

Some protesters called for the resignation of the far-right government — which includes some of the most extremist elements in Israel’s history — while others demanded a “broad mandate” for Israel’s negotiating team to secure the release of the hostages in ongoing talks in Cairo.