Thousands protesting in Jerusalem against firing of Gallant

Thousands of Israelis are gathering in Jerusalem for a second night of protests after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The demonstrators gather near the Knesset calling for Netanyahu to rescind the decision.

They are also calling on him to reach a deal to free the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, cancel a planned law to enshrine draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox youth and set up a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7, 2023.

Gallant highlighted those three issues of dispute with Netanyahu in an address to the nation after he was fired.

Following the announcement of the decision to fire Gallant last night, tens of thousands protested across the country, with demonstrators blocking a main highway near Tel Aviv for several hours.