Protests in Israel over defense minister's resignation rumors

Amid reports of Sa'ar potentially joining the government and Yoav Gallant's dismissal, dozens of protesters gathered outside Sa'ar's home in Tel Aviv, urging him not to enter Netanyahu's government, Report informs referring to The Jerusalem Post.

Talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's associates and National Unity leader Gideon Sa'ar, which had been intermittent and slow for weeks, have intensified in recent days. This follows the decision of the Hostages’ Families Headquarters to move their protest from Aryeh Deri’s house to Sa’ar’s in an effort to create a central focus of pressure and protest.

"Gideon, you opposed the deal that was meant to bring home Hersh, Alex, Almog, Eden, and my Carmel alive.” Shai Dikman, cousin of Carmel Gat z''l, whose body was returned earlier this month, said. “Canceling the hostage deal is what brought Carmel back in a coffin. I'm standing here in a situation no one wants to face. But in front of me are the daughters of Ohev Ben Ami – they could have a different ending. What separates us is a deal; a deal you're willing to forgo. So tell me, Gideon, do you want to be the Minister of Defense? What is defense if not bringing back civilians who were kidnapped from their homes safely? Isn't that security?"

Later, protesters marched toward Sha’ar Begin in Tel Aviv to continue the demonstration from there, chanting, "It’s an all-nighter tonight. This is ‘Gallant Night’ part two. Everyone block the intersections, the roads, everything possible in the country. Don’t be afraid, they won’t break us. We’re fighting, we’re resisting."

Meanwhile, social activist Yaya Fink held a Zoom call with protest activists, stating, "We are preparing for Gallant Night part two. This is a dirty deal that we cannot allow. We've already taken Gallant’s dismissal, the dismissal of the Attorney General, the judicial overhaul, and now it’s time for Gallant Night part two. We will have to take to the streets across the country in massive numbers to prevent Gallant’s dismissal and to protect Israel's security."