Thousands rally in Tel Aviv for hostages and against ‘the Oct. 7 government’

Thousands of Israelis protested for the release of the hostages and against the government earlier tonight at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square.

Hundreds of participants then joined hostage Matan Zangauker’s mother, Einav, in marching to the nearby Begin Gate. Police officers — some on horseback — sought to prevent demonstrators from blocking the road, leading to a clash that saw several protesters thrown to the ground. Seven protesters were arrested, according to Hebrew media reports.

Addressing the earlier Habimah protest, former IDF general Noam Tibon asserted that the IDF’s renewed military operations are endangering the hostages.

Demonstrators clash with police during a protest march for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip in Tel Aviv, March 27, 2025. (Itai Ron/Flash90)

“But the October 7 government doesn’t care about this. They are busy toasting the passage of their budget,” Tibon said.

Former police chief Roni Alsheich told the crowd that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is acting against the national interest and called on fellow members of the national religious camp to speak out against the premier and his government.

The protest was held against the backdrop of the government’s passage of key judicial overhaul legislation and an ongoing impasse in the hostage negotiations.

Demonstrators protest march for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, March 27, 2025. (Itai Ron/Flash9)