Demonstration Against Legal Reforms and Hostage Situation - Lapid: "We Will Not Surrender"

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered at Kaplan Junction in Tel Aviv tonight for their weekly demonstration against the government's legal reforms, the controversial draft exemption law, and the ongoing situation of the 100 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. The protest, which began with a march from Habima Square, was marked by strong speeches from opposition leaders and public figures, who continued to express their outrage over what they view as the government’s failure to address the country’s most pressing issues.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid delivered a fiery speech, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of leading the country into turmoil. "Here to overthrow the government, an overwhelming majority does not want them," Lapid declared. "Do you want war? You will get war. You will lose, we will not surrender."

Lapid went on to criticize Netanyahu’s leadership, calling him “afraid” of elections and saying that the coalition, with barely 50 seats, is out of touch with the people. "They know that we have an absolute majority in every poll," he added. "A huge majority for the hostage deal, a huge majority for a state investigation committee."

The opposition leader emphasized that the government is “an illegitimate minority” and vowed that the protesters would continue their efforts to bring about a change of leadership. "We are the majority," Lapid said. "We will not bend, we will not surrender. We are here to overthrow the government and go to elections."

Message to Netanyahu and His Government

Lapid’s speech also included direct threats to members of Netanyahu’s government. "We see what you are trying to do to the police, and we will fight you. We see what you are trying to do to the free press, and we will fight you. We see what you are trying to do to the courts, and we will not let you," he warned. "It will be difficult, frustrating, and long, and we will endure it. We will not let you."

Eli Cohen's Daughter Speaks Out on Father’s Legacy

Sophie Ben Dor, the daughter of Israeli spy Eli Cohen, also addressed the crowd, reflecting on the long-standing effort to bring her father’s remains back to Israel. She spoke emotionally about the recent rumors surrounding the potential return of his bones from Syria and criticized Netanyahu for not taking action.

"My father sacrificed his life for the Jewish and democratic State of Israel," Ben-Dor said, urging the public to join the protest against the current government. "Look at us, look at me. My father sacrificed everything for Israel. Break through the barrier of fear built by the prime minister and his people and join us."

Ben-Dor expressed her frustration with Netanyahu’s refusal to meet with her family, even as he prepared to celebrate the potential return of her father’s remains publicly. "Behind the scenes, he ignores requests, refuses meetings, because he has nothing to gain yet," she said.

"A Path Paved by a Criminal Government"

Kalnit Sharon, one of the founders of the "Pink Front" and a leader of the "Elections Now" protest, harshly condemned the government, calling Israel’s current path “dark.” She accused the coalition of being led by “criminals, corrupt people, and Messianic extremists” who are exploiting the public’s apathy and despair.

"The last two years have proven to us – the liberal-democratic community – what strength we have, how determined we are to fight," Sharon said.

Yotam Cohen: Hostage Families Under Attack

Yotam Cohen, the brother of kidnapped Israeli soldier Nimrod Cohen, also spoke out against the government. Cohen sharply criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for undermining efforts to negotiate for the release of the hostages. “Every time a deal seems too close, Netanyahu makes statements that contradict everything and bury any chance of agreement,” he said.

Cohen also addressed the recent increase in incitement against the families of the kidnapped, claiming that the government was behind a smear campaign targeting them. "This week, the incitement against us families has intensified," he said. "I call on you, do not give up on them, do not surrender to the government of blood and death."

Amit Bachar, head of the Israeli Bar Association, also spoke at the rally, criticizing Justice Minister Yariv Levin for undermining the independence of the judiciary. “By January 16, a permanent president of the Supreme Court will be elected, to the dismay and fury of those who rise up against us,” Bachar said. “If Levin continues to violate the High Court’s decisions, I will enter it without him.”

Eran Schwartz, CEO of the Free Struggle Headquarters in Our Country, one of the event’s main organizers, condemned the government for failing to provide proper leadership. “While the Prime Minister is spending the second week in court as a criminal defendant, the country is desperate for functioning leadership," he said. "100 kidnapped people are still in captivity, thousands of evacuees are waiting for solutions, and the government is busy reviving the coup d’état and enacting the evasion law."

Protesters Join Demonstration for Hostage Release

At the end of the Kaplan Junction demonstration, the protesters joined a second rally at Begin Junction, where a demonstration was being held to demand the release of the 100 hostages still being held in Gaza. The two protests merged, underscoring the growing public frustration with the government's handling of both the hostage situation and the ongoing legal reforms.

As protests continue to escalate, it is clear that opposition to Netanyahu’s leadership is growing, with widespread calls for a change in government and a resolution to the crisis surrounding the hostages. The demonstrators vowed to keep fighting until their demands are met.