Anti-overhaul protesters picket Gallant in New York

Israeli anti-overhaul protesters demonstrate outside a hotel where Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is staying in New York, ahead of his meetings at the UN.

Several dozen protesters call on Gallant to “rescue Israel from Bibi and end the Kahanist government,” the protesters say in a statement, referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his nickname.

The protesters chant “Gallant, Erdan, Israel is not Iran,” and “Gallant, Gallant, wake up, Israel is worth more,” as Israel’s UN envoy Gilad Erdan arrives to meet with Gallant.

The protesters, led by the expat activist group UnXeptable, have hounded Israeli government officials in the New York region throughout the year. They plan to protest outside the UN later today, and outside the Israeli consulate tomorrow, as Gallant holds meetings at both locations.

Gallant will discuss renewing the mandate of UNIFIL forces in Lebanon in his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Army Radio reports.

Lebanon has asked to change the mandate to make UNIFIL coordinate its activities with the Lebanese army, which would further limit the UN peacekeeping force’s already limited abilities on the Israel-Lebanon border, the report says.

France supports Lebanon’s request, while Israel, the US and the UK oppose it, the report says.

Last month, Gutteres blasted the Israeli military for its counter-terror operation in Jenin, saying the IDF has “obviously” used excessive force.