Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in Jerusalem and other major cities in recent weeks, intensifying calls for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign immediately. Protesters, including families of hostages, reservists, and opposition supporters, gathered near the Knesset and in central Jerusalem, waving Israeli flags, holding banners reading “We Demand Change!” and “Netanyahu Must Go,” and chanting slogans accusing the government of prolonging wars for political survival.
Saturday’s demonstrations in Jerusalem were among the largest in recent months, with participants criticizing the government’s handling of the prolonged conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and the 2026 Iran war, as well as the ongoing Haredi military draft crisis. Police intervened in some instances, leading to at least one arrest during clashes. Organizers described the protests as a direct message ahead of the expected elections, urging voters to reject Netanyahu’s leadership in favor of renewal and stability.
The protests come as the Knesset advances a bill to dissolve itself. In May and early June 2026, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly (106-0 in one reading) to push forward dissolution, potentially moving elections to as early as September 8–20 October, ahead of the original October 27 date. The move was triggered largely by the withdrawal of ultra-Orthodox parties over the contentious military draft exemptions.
Recent polls paint a challenging picture for the incumbent. Netanyahu’s Likud remains competitive, but his broader right-wing-religious coalition is projected to fall short of a majority in many surveys. Opposition alliances, including figures like Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Gadi Eisenkot, are gaining momentum. Public frustration over governance, judicial issues, war fatigue, and security lapses since October 7, 2023, continues to fuel the unrest.
