Thousands of protesters demand early elections outside the Knesset

Thousands of anti-government protesters are demonstrating outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, calling for early elections and the government’s ouster.

The demonstration is taking place on the third consecutive day of what protest groups are calling a “week of disruption” aimed at replacing the government.

Former defense minister Moshe Ya’alon speaks to the crowd outside the Knesset, decrying Netanyahu and his government for not having a clear goal in the ongoing Gaza war, and for not planning for the day after the fighting ends.

“Since the founding of this government, the security situation has worsened, our economy has declined,” says Yaalon, accusing the current coalition of being “prepared to sacrifice the hostages for the messianic outlook” of government ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

“We are the majority and this is why they [the members of the government] worry about elections. We are demanding elections, now!” he continues.