Israelis protest against Netanyahu government and Lebanon war

AI Summary

Protests erupted in Tel Aviv, Israel, as citizens demonstrated against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The protests reflect rising domestic tensions related to military policy and societal divisions, particularly concerning military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish community members.

Israelis protest against Netanyahu government and Lebanon war Dozens of Israelis protested overnight in Tel Aviv against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the continuing Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon. The demonstration came amid growing domestic tensions over the wars involving Iran and Lebanon, as well as disputes surrounding military exemptions for members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community ahead of expected general elections later this year. “I’m here to protest against the government, which is a disaster,” 83-year-old retiree David Alkan told Reuters. “They’re feeding the public with fake news, with lies.” Alkan added that he viewed internal divisions within Israel as a greater danger than Iran, criticising ultra-Orthodox groups that refuse military service. Video from the protest showed demonstrators carrying signs reading “Stop the genocide”, “Forget October Seven” and “Bibi Escobar”, a reference linking Netanyahu’s nickname with Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.