Massive Protests in Tel Aviv Call for Coalition to Oust Netanyahu

In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered to advocate for the Israeli opposition to form a coalition with Arab parties in an effort to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Protesters expressed that this could be the "last chance for real change," criticizing Netanyahu as a "great manipulator." Main opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has previously dismissed the idea of partnering with Arab parties, but the recent election deadlock may necessitate such an alliance to secure a governing majority.

Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh reported that many demonstrators believe Eisenkot and other Jewish-Israeli leaders must heed the public's call for change. Concurrently, counter-protesters supporting Netanyahu demanded that Israel should not form a government with what they termed "so-called terrorists."

In the recent elections, Netanyahu's bloc secured 53 seats while Eisenkot's garnered 48, leaving both short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The three Arab-led parties achieved significant electoral success, winning 19 seats, which could facilitate a coalition with Eisenkot for a comfortable majority of 67 seats. However, the prospect of aligning with Arab parties remains contentious among many Israelis.

Netanyahu has accused Palestinian-Israeli parties of manipulating the elections and accepting foreign funding, claims that Qatar has dismissed as disinformation. Odeh noted that right-wing Israeli factions have labeled the high turnout of Palestinian-Israeli voters as "electoral terrorism," linking it to the October 7th attack by Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages.