Highways blocked, cities paralyzed: Mass protests sweep Israel

According to Israel Army Radio, protesters blocked Highway 1 leading to Tel Aviv from the east of Lod. Media outlets also reported that several demonstrators were arrested by Israeli security forces.

Israel’s public broadcaster reported that hundreds of activists blocked the Ayalon Highway near Tel Aviv, demanding that the cabinet not sacrifice prisoners for political or military goals.

The daily Haaretz wrote that in Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv, police arrested a protester who had blocked a road during the demonstrations. The protests were accompanied by chants calling for an end to the war and the immediate release of the prisoners.

In this context, Yair Lapid, leader of the Israeli opposition, joined demonstrators in the so-called Prisoners’ Square, claiming: “The current cabinet has for years supported Hamas, and today’s protests reflect the spirit of solidarity and internal responsibility of Israelis. The only real way to weaken Hamas is through the downfall of this incompetent and malicious government.”

Benny Gantz, leader of the “National Unity” party, also voiced support for the protesters, saying: “Standing with the families of the hostages strengthens us, and attacking them weakens us.”

At the same time, former IDF Chief of Staff and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he lacks leadership and responsibility, avoids difficult decisions, and puts personal and political interests above those of the occupying regime—actions that are dragging Israel to the brink.

Eisenkot added that after more than 680 days since October 7, 2023, Israel has still failed to achieve its objectives in the Gaza war, with many soldiers killed inside Hamas tunnels. He called on residents of the occupied territories to join today’s general strike and stand with the prisoners’ families, warning that “time is running out.”

Hebrew media reported demonstrations at over 350 locations, with dozens of roads blocked to demand the return of prisoners in Gaza and an end to the war. The protests coincided with the start of a general strike today, which is crippling Israel’s economy.

Hebrew outlets added that the protest movement of the prisoners’ families began this morning with a gathering outside the home of Yoav Kisch, Israel’s education minister, in Hod HaSharon near Tel Aviv. Protesters there demanded a halt to plans for the occupation of Gaza City and urged focus on a prisoner exchange deal.

Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appeared at “Hostages’ Square” in Tel Aviv, declaring: “There is no Israeli who does not want the hostages to come home. To the captives, I say: we will not forget you, and we will do whatever it takes to bring you back.”

On the other hand, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich harshly criticized the protests, saying: “These demonstrations harm us, serve Hamas, bury the hostages, and push us toward surrender.”

The Hostage Families Forum issued a statement declaring: “Time is running out. If we do not act now, we will lose our loved ones forever. We are tired of empty slogans and promises; only the people can bring the hostages home.”

As part of the protest movement, some families gathered outside the home of Yitzhak Wasserlauf, minister for the Negev and Galilee, in Tel Aviv. Demonstrators also protested outside the homes of other ministers, including War Minister Israel Katz, chanting slogans in support of freeing the Israeli prisoners.

According to Channel 12, protesters blocked the Ra’anana junction north of Tel Aviv, preventing traffic, while other main roads were also obstructed.

Today’s general strike in the occupied territories, called by families of Israeli prisoners in Gaza, is aimed at pressuring the cabinet to secure their return. The move has gained support from political parties, prisoners’ families, and Hebrew media, and organizers say it marks the beginning of an escalation in protests.

In this regard, Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s Democratic Party, declared during the strike: “Time is up. Every effort must be made to immediately bring the hostages back. Time is slipping away, and we will do whatever it takes to free them now.”

At the same time, Avigdor Lieberman, head of the “Yisrael Beiteinu” party and former war minister, also said that all hostages in Gaza must be returned at once and without delay.

Israeli media gave wide coverage to the protests, underscoring their significance. Channel 13 reported: “Today Israel will shut down. This is the moment, and this is the people’s strike.” The channel also reported that solidarity events with the prisoners’ families have begun in several cities across the occupied territories.

Separately, Israel Army Radio quoted the mother of Matan Ingris, an Israeli prisoner in Gaza, as saying: “Today everything stops until the hostages and soldiers are returned.” Israel’s public broadcaster also quoted the wife of another prisoner, Omri Miran, as saying: “Today is only the beginning; we intend to escalate the struggle.”

The families of Israeli prisoners have repeatedly warned of Netanyahu’s cabinet neglecting their loved ones, stressing that continuation of the war and occupation only further endangers their lives. Today’s strike was called at their request.