Week after alleged largest rally in Israel, thousands gather in Tel Aviv to urge hostage deal

Thousands of anti-government, pro-hostage deal protesters have begun gathering on Tel Aviv’s Begin Road, outside the IDF headquarters.

This is the second week running where the Begin Road rally is merging with the weekly anti-government protest on nearby Kaplan Street.

According to organizers, about half a million people attended last week’s rally — the first weekly rally held after the return of six recently slain hostages sparked public outrage — which if true was the largest demonstration in Israeli history.

Set to speak are Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker; Michal Lobanov, widow of slain hostage Alex Lobanov; and Anat Angrest, mother of captive soldier Matan Angrest.

The rally will also feature an audio clip of Matan Angrest urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to save his life.

Protesters accuse Netanyahu of insisting Israel retain control of the Philadelphi Corridor, along the Egypt-Gaza border, with the intention of thwarting a deal that could threaten the integrity of his right-wing government.

Jimmy Miller, cousin of hostage Shiri Bibas, rallies the crowd, accusing Netanyahu of protracting a catastrophe ill-befitting a developed nation.

“What are we, in Africa?” he roars. He leads the crowd in a chant: “[Return] everyone — now! In a deal — now!”

An anti-government, pro-hostage deal protester hoists a model Knesset and a sign reading ‘Enough with human sacrifice on the altar of the [Knesset] building,’ on Tel Aviv’s Begin Road, September 14, 2024. (Noam Lehmann/Times of Israel)

Closer to the stage, a man holds a list of ministers’ names, under the title “Philadelphi criminals to justice,” surrounded by mock bloodstains.

An anti-government, pro-hostage deal protester holds a list of ministers’ names surrounded by mock blood stains under the caption ‘Philadelphi criminals to justice,’ on Tel Aviv’s Begin Street, September 14, 2024. (Noam Lehmann/Times of Israel)