Protesters rally in Jerusalem against government's handling of Israel-Hamas War

Protesters marched Monday evening to a rally at Jerusalem’s Agranat Square, where they criticized the government and Knesset’s handling of the Israel-Hamas War, the hostage situation, and a perceived advancement of antidemocratic laws.

The protest, marking the first day of the Knesset’s winter session, followed a day full of protests and advocacy for the hostages. Hostages’ family members and activists attended committee meetings to advocate for their loved ones and staged multiple protests inside and outside the Knesset.

Hundreds marched Monday evening from Givat Ram as part of an academia protest march, while others joined a march organized by the protest organization Brothers in Arms.

Thousands gathered at the central rally in Agranat Square, and additional protests were scheduled to take place outside the Prime Minister’s Residence in Rehavia.

Protesters slam Knesset's winter session

“Today, the winter session of the Knesset begins,” The Day After protest organization said in a statement. “The government is going back to work. But what are they really working at? At torpedoing any deal to bring the hostages back. At advancing a draft-dodging law, while more and more soldiers are being killed. At attempts to slip antidemocratic laws by.

“And no, [the government] is not working to take care of us – the citizens. This is the moment to remind the MKs that they are public servants, and the public is not behind them.”

The Guarding the Joint Home organization called on its members to take to the streets.

“The government thinks we have grown tired, that we won’t pay attention, that they can continue to destroy security, the economy, the reservists, Israeli democracy, our togetherness, our spirit,” it said in a statement. “We cannot take our foot off the gas. We cannot take our eyes off the ball.”