Over 90,000 said to join WhatsApp groups preparing for mass rallies if Gallant or AG fired

Over 90,000 Israelis have joined a network of WhatsApp groups preparing for mass demonstrations around the country in case Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fires Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Walla news site reports.

The outlet says all have joined the almost 90 silent groups over the past day to prepare for “Gallant night 2” — a repeat of the unprecedented spontaneous mass rallies that erupted in March 2023 when the premier announced Gallant’s termination over his call to pause the judicial overhaul legislation.

The national chaos caused Netanyahu at the time to reverse Gallant’s firing and pause the overhaul bills, but reports are increasingly indicating the prime minister is again seeking to oust his defense minister.

Some coalition members have also been calling for Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s ouster, and the new WhatsApp groups are readying to respond to such a scenario as well, the report says.

The initiative is led by Labor member and anti-government protest leader Yaya Fink.