Tens of thousands at weekly anti-government, hostage release rallies

Tens of thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities around the country Saturday with demands for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and new elections, as the anti-government movement maintained its momentum despite the threat of an imminent Iranian attack on the country.

Thousands congregated on Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv for a weekly protest that has spearheaded activity against the government.

The rally called for early elections, the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office and a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Police blocked off large chunks of Kaplan Street and Begin Street, as well as nearby exits of the Ayalon Highway, which protesters often block during their weekly demonstrations.

Police initially forbade demonstrators from convening at the corner of Kaplan and Begin, known by protesters as Democracy Square, saying that not enough people participated in last week’s rally to justify blocking off such a central intersection. READ MORE