Thousands gather near Knesset for rally calling for hostage deal, early elections

Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"

People attend a rally urging a hostage deal and early elections near the Knesset in Jerusalem, June 17, 2024. (Sam Sokol/Times of Israel)
People attend a rally urging a hostage deal and early elections near the Knesset in Jerusalem, June 17, 2024. (Sam Sokol/Times of Israel)

Thousands of protesters gather in front of the Knesset for a demonstration calling for early elections and for a deal with the Hamas terror group to secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza.

After the demonstration, at which newly elected Labor chief Yair Golan is set to speak, protesters plan to march to the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Today is the second day of what has been branded a “week of disruption” waged by various protest groups.

“No, we won’t agree to a reckless government,” protesters chant.

“No to fascism,” they continue. Getting warmed up, they continue with a chant about Netanyahu’s “guilt” over the failures of October 7 and about a demand for new elections.

A sign calls Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an “Evil devil’ at a rally urging a hostage deal and early elections near the Knesset in Jerusalem, June 17, 2024. (Sam Sokol/Times of Israel)

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