1,000 protesters rally outside Knesset, vowing to ‘banish darkness’ of new government

Around a thousand people are now protesting outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, including lawmakers from the incoming opposition, ahead of the swearing-in of Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline government.

The center-left demonstrators call out chants against racism and corruption and in favor of peace, promising to “banish the darkness.”

“Bibi and Ben Gvir are destroying democracy,” says one sign, referring to Netanyahu and his senior partner Itamar Ben Gvir of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party.

Israelis protest with a Pride flag outside the Knesset ahead of a swearing-in ceremony of the new government, in Jerusalem, December 29, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/FLASH90)

Many wave Israel flags and Pride flags.

Protesters include organizers of regular anti-Netanyahu protests from his previous term, as well as many rights groups and dovish and liberal organizations, including the Reform Movement.

Today, outside the Knesset, ahead of the swearing in of the new government: In the name of Judaism – we came to defend democracy. To raise a voice against radicalization and incitement, racism and exclusion. Our fight will not dissipate or despair. https://t.co/TXsiRFbnA2

— ReformJudaismIsrael (@IsraelReform) December 29, 2022