From the Liveblog of
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Crowds protest at homes of cabinet ministers as part of nationwide strike for hostages
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A few dozen demonstrators gather near Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s home in Jerusalem to protest for a hostage deal and an end to the war.
Protesters also gather at the homes of Education Minister Yoav Kisch and Economy Minister Nir Barkat, as well as Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel.
Kisch blasts Israeli folk music over the chants of the protesters.
האיש האמון על חינוך ילדינו מפעיל מוסיקה בקולי קולות בגינה כדי לא לשמוע מפגינים. pic.twitter.com/4UcK00TLYM
— Ben Caspit בן כספית (@BenCaspit) August 17, 2025
At the Dermer protest, two police cars stand meters away from the mostly middle-aged demonstrators, though the officers do not exit their cars.
Hannah Katsman, the mother of Hayim Katsman, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Holit during their October 7, 2023, attack, is among those at the protest.
Protesters hold posters with the names and faces of the hostages and chant against Dermer, who has been leading Israel’s negotiating team for a hostage release-ceasefire deal since February.
Many hostages’ families have accused the top Netanyahu aide of failing in his role, as no hostages have yet been released through negotiations under his watch.
One man holds a sign that reads: “Dermer, hangman of 50, henchman of one.”
The demonstrations take place on the morning of a nationwide strike set to last throughout the day, organized by the family members of hostages and victims of the October 7 attack. Protesters have already begun blocking major highways throughout the country, and large rallies are slated to take place later this evening.
The Times of Israel Community.