'Gallant Night 2': Thousands hold protests across Israel after Netanyahu sacks Defence Minister

Tens of thousands of Israelis marched on the streets of Tel Aviv after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired the country’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The demonstrations were led by protest organizations called for “Gallant Night 2,” referencing the night of huge protests following the attempted sacking of Gallant during the judicial reform, before the Israel-Hamas war broke out.

Multiple highways and junctions were blocked and protests were held in dozens of locations across the country. Major demonstrations were held in Tel Aviv, where many thousands gathered and chanted anti-government slogans. Protests were also held in Jerusalem and Haifa.

40 detained in Tel Aviv

According to Ynet News, by 1:30 am (local time), over 40 protesters were arrested in Tel Aviv. A physical confrontation was also recorded between the police and MK Gilad Kariv from the Labor Party at a demonstration in Tel Aviv. As thousands marched on, the police began using water cannons to disperse protesters from the Ayalon freeway.

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Meanwhile, another Labour Party minister, Naama Lazimi. said that one of her advisers who serves as an officer was wounded in Gaza and was arrested during protests in Tel Aviv. Lazimi mentioned that he was arrested after he helped hostage families who were blocking roads at the protest.

עצרו את היועץ שלי. קצין ולוחם שנפצע בעזה, כי הוא הגיע איתי לסייע למשפחות החטופים שחסמו את הכביש, כמחאה על החלפת שר הביטחון לצורך כדי להפקיר את הילדים שלהן בשבי בעזה. @OrSzneiberg

— 🎗 Naama Lazimi - נעמה לזימי (@naamalazimi) November 5, 2024

While protesters slammed the Netanyahu administration over Gallant’s exit, they also called for the immediate release of hostages who are still stuck in Gaza. “We are not waiting for the heads of the economy and labour union, starting tomorrow, and without a time limit we are stopping the country,” protest organizations said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Israeli police said that they’re taking measures to ensure security across the country. “The Israel Police are present at protest locations across the country in substantial numbers, ensuring security and maintaining public order. Their objective is to balance protestors’ legitimate right to protest and the general freedom of movement for all,” Israel Police said in a statement.

“We urge protesters to adhere to the instructions of officers on the ground and to act in a manner that does not jeopardize the safety of protesters, law enforcement, or other road users,” the statement further reads.

Families of Hostages condemn Gallant’s exit

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called the firing “a direct continuation of efforts to sabotage a hostage deal.” The families went on to urge Gallant’s replacement Israel Katz to “explicitly commit to ending the war and to a comprehensive agreement for the immediate return of all hostages.”

The Forum went on to describe Gallant’s dismissal as “a sad reflection of the flawed priorities of the Israeli government,” insisting that Israel has already achieved its primary military goals in Gaza.

With inputs from agencies.