Divided Nation: Demonstrations in Tel Aviv Reflect Ongoing Strife as Yom Kippur Approaches

On Saturday evening, as the eve of Yom Kippur approached, thousands gathered at Tel Aviv's Kaplan intersection for the 38th week of demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Simultaneously, a separate demonstration occurred at the Western Wall for the annual forgiveness evening. This year, the religious holiday of Yom Kippur seems to symbolize the nation's deepening divide.

The protests come on the heels of a week of demonstrations overseas, accompanying Prime Minister Netanyahu's political visit to the United States. The movement, known as "Kaplan Force," emphasized the theme of "no forgiveness for the dictatorship" in the lead-up to Yom Kippur. Following the demonstration, dozens of protesters marched to the residence of Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

Prominent figures addressed the crowd, including singer Rona Keenan, Major General Noam Tivon, Dr. Merav Aharon Gutman, Rabbi Yermi Stavisky, and representatives of bereaved families from the Yom Kippur War. The demonstrations, led by Prof. Shakma Bresler, occurred simultaneously with protests against the legal revolution in other cities such as Haifa, Rehovot, Netanya, Ra'anana, and Herzliya, where thousands joined the cause.

Major General Noam Tivon expressed concern over the government's actions, stating, "The government of the dodgers harms the security of the State of Israel, harms the security of all of us." He highlighted the Prime Minister's refusal to meet with the Chief of Staff before enacting what he called the "first dictatorship law," marking an unprecedented event in the country's history. Tivon also raised concerns about potential international legal repercussions for IDF soldiers in light of the attacks on the High Court.

Dr. Merav Aharon Gutman criticized the government's treatment of its citizens, saying, "Every day the central government shows humiliation and violence towards us, financially and bureaucratically." She quoted Knesset member Rothman's dismissive behavior during a committee session as an example of this perceived humiliation.

From "Kaplan Force," a statement outlined their determination to prevent Netanyahu from turning Israel into a "dangerous messianic dictatorship" and to block the alleged coup. Activists from the "Bloc Against the Occupation" also participated in protests across the country.

Additionally, in front of the President's House in Jerusalem, the organization "Guards and Guards of the Shared Home" held a weekly protest to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. Yoram Eshet, a severely wounded war veteran, criticized the government's conduct, accusing politicians of incitement and hatred towards various groups.

As Israel approaches Yom Kippur, these demonstrations reflect the deep divisions within the nation, with citizens expressing their grievances against the government and its policies.