Protests took place around the country, including outside the president’s residence in Jerusalem. Outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv, thousands gathered and held torches in honour of the remaining hostages.
The families of some of the hostages gathered outside the Labour Union, where anti-government protesters held placards targeting Mr Netanyahu.
One read: “Netanyahu is the main obstacle for the [hostage] deal,” while another said: “The blood of our sons and daughter is on your hands, Netanyahu”.
Nadav Salzberger, one of the protest leaders, said the vast majority of people in Israel agreed that Hamas must be defeated, the hostages must be returned, and elections must be put forward.
He said the ramming incident reflected the actions of “a small and violent minority, encouraged by irresponsible rhetoric from [Right-wing government] coalition members, that is growing more and more violent”.
He added: “But it is a minority, and we know that Israelis are united in the battlefront, even while debating politically at home.”
Mr Salzberger said that taking a recess while the hostages are still in Gaza and soldiers are falling daily would fuel tensions. “The Knesset is in recess, but we are only getting started. The Israeli spirit will not break, and this amazing nation deserves a better government,” he said.
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