Anti-government demonstrations were held Saturday evening at multiple locations across Israel, with protesters voicing criticism of the government, demanding a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks, and warning against what organizers described as threats to democratic institutions.

The largest protest took place at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, where approximately 2,000 demonstrators gathered in an event organized by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel alongside other protest groups.

An additional march involving roughly 200 demonstrators proceeded from Rabin Square under the slogan “We Are the Hope and We Will Rebuild,” with participation by Naama Lazimi of The Democrats party.

Clashes in Jerusalem as Police Disperse Protesters

In Jerusalem, demonstrators marched from Paris Square toward Balfour Street, where police forcibly dispersed protesters.

According to police, one demonstrator was arrested near Paris Square and questioned on suspicion of sexual harassment and behavior likely to disturb public order.

Former Police Chief Warns of “Legislative Blitz”

Former Israel Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi addressed protesters at Habima Square, warning against what he described as an unprecedented legislative campaign by the government.

“We are witnessing a completely unrestrained legislative blitz,” Karadi said, adding that the government would “do everything in its power to survive,” even at the expense of Israel’s democratic institutions.

One of the evening’s most emotional speeches was delivered by Nirit Baram, whose son Neta was killed at the Nahal Oz military post during the October 7 Hamas attack.

Baram called for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events surrounding the attack.

She described how her son and four fellow soldiers — Sergeant Major Daniel Sperber, Corporal Amir Eyal, Corporal Shimon Lugasi and Sergeant Major Elroi Ben Shitrit — fought together despite coming from different communities and backgrounds across Israel.

“They fought as one person and defended the outpost and nearby communities with their bodies and souls,” she said.

“In their deaths, they commanded us to unite,” Baram added. “We are united in demanding a state commission of inquiry that the citizens of Israel will accept.”

Protesters Criticize Netanyahu Over War Policy

A separate protest attended by approximately 500 people took place at Horev Center in Haifa.

Dr. Omer Tzanani, a strategy and security expert, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that Israel had failed to decisively defeat Hamas in Gaza, as well as Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Tzanani called for political agreements with the Palestinians, Lebanon and other regional actors.

“We must end the absurd situation in which Arab states say ‘yes’ to peace while Israel’s prime minister says ‘no, I want war,’” he said.

Demonstrations Spread Across the Country

Additional protests were held in Beersheba, where social activist Lee Hoffman Agiv linked violence she said she experienced this week at the hands of settlers to what she described as government-backed extremism.

Further demonstrations took place at several northern junctions and cities, including:

• Karkur Junction
• Homa Junction
• Menashe Bridge in the Jezreel Valley
• Nahariya

Additional protests were also reported in:

• Modiin
• Kfar Saba
• Beit Shemesh