From the Liveblog of
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Pro-ceasefire and anti-Netanyahu protesters come together as Habima Square rally begins
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Protesters from different groups and organizations gather at Habima Square for tonight’s anti-government rally.
Closest to the stage, protesters bear signs decrying the government’s alleged failure on October 7 and calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation. Among them are members of the Pink Front, an anti-Netanyahu protest group formed in 2020.
Further back are a contingent of peace organizations, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israel’s military presence in the West Bank.
On the outskirts of the square, a left-wing contingent from the group Looking the Occupation in the Eyes bears signs reading, “The day after is now,” apparently referencing the need to decide on Gaza’s future.
In front of them, a lone protester, Ben-El Mashiach of Tel Aviv, clad in an Israeli flag, wields a loudspeaker accusing the left-wing group of being privileged and hypocritical, accusing them of living in abandoned Arab towns in modern-day north Tel Aviv.
“I have no problem with most of the protesters, only this group of radicals,” he says.
The rally opens with a video criticizing hard-right coalition lawmakers and accusing the government of “zero leadership,” as the crowd jeers.
The Times of Israel Community.