Tens of thousands rally across Israel - families accuse government of “conscious neglect"

Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets across the country Saturday night, demanding a comprehensive hostage deal and an end to the war in Gaza, now in its 701st day. The protests, led by families of the kidnapped and supported by wide swaths of the public, were marked by emotional speeches, rising public anger, and clashes with police in several locations.

The largest demonstration took place in Paris Square, Jerusalem, where thousands marched from the Rope Bridge toward the Prime Minister's Residence. The police deployed undercover detectives and blocked access to key areas. Tensions escalated when protester Michal Deutsch jumped over a police checkpoint and was forcibly arrested. As officers twisted her arms and bent her head, she yelled to reporters:

“All borders have been crossed. They are killing Gazan children, they are killing the kidnapped, they are killing all of us — it is time to truly resist.”

Clashes Between Police and Lawmakers

MK Gilad Kariv (Democrats), who was present, confronted the Moria Police Station Commander over the handling of the protest.

“You represent the law. Shame on you,” Kariv told him.
The commander responded: “You are embarrassing the Knesset with your behavior.”

Nearby, Vicky Cohen, mother of kidnapped IDF soldier Nimrod Cohen, shouted through the barricades:

“No tool will prevent me from fighting for the return of my son. I am not afraid.”

Families: “This is a War to Collapse Israeli Society”

Einav Tsengauker, mother of hostage Matan Tsengauker, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of waging a political war at the expense of Israeli lives:

“Netanyahu is not trying to collapse Hamas — he is collapsing Israeli society. He’s misleading us, inciting us, and leaking classified documents for political survival.”

She added:

“701 days — this is your legacy. My son, trying to survive in Hamas tunnels, is the result of your neglect.”

Anat Engerst, another parent of a hostage, claimed that the government had effectively initiated a “Hannibal Directive” — a controversial policy to prevent kidnappings at all costs, even at the risk of harming hostages.

“Israeli kidnapped people may be murdered this month with the full knowledge of the government,” she said.
“What is this, if not a clearly illegal order?”

Captivity Survivors and Heartbreaking Family Stories

In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered at Kidnapped Square, where Ilana Gritsewski, partner of hostage Matan Tsengauker, shared her emotional pain:

“How would you live if you woke up every day asking if your loved one is still alive? I break down daily. 701 days is not a mistake — it’s a choice. A choice to abandon. A choice to betray.”

Ribka Buhbut, wife of kidnapped Elkana Buhbut, told the crowd:

“Our son Ram, just five years old, started kindergarten this week. Elkana wasn’t there. He entered with a brave smile hiding a shattered heart.”

In Haifa, demonstrators marched from the Carmel Auditorium to Horev Center, where Vered Pima Shavit, mother of two soldiers, described living under constant fear:

“Every knock on the door shakes me. My sons won’t be home for the holidays. While the government budgets Uman flights, I sew torn uniforms for my son, because there’s no budget for replacements.”

Police Arrest Anti-War Protesters in Umm al-Fahm

In Umm al-Fahm, nine protesters were arrested for allegedly chanting anti-war slogans deemed “inciting” by police. A video released by the police shows an officer telling demonstrators to disperse within two minutes, calling the protest illegal. When asked why, the officer replied:

“There is incitement here.”

Demonstrations Across the Country

Protests were also reported at major junctions across northern Israel, including:

• Karkur

• Zichron Yaakov

• Tzemach

• Karmiel

• Kabri

• Nahariya

In Be’er Sheva, demonstrators marched from the Teachers’ Center to the Performing Arts Center, and in Sha’ar HaNegev, Noam Katz, daughter of Lior Rudaif, whose body remains in Gaza, addressed a rally organized by the hostage families.

Families Demand Immediate Action

The Families Headquarters of the Hostages issued a clear demand to Prime Minister Netanyahu:

“You must respond now. The deal is on the table. Every day of silence is another day of betrayal.”