Twelve people were arrested during protests in Jerusalem on Monday as demonstrators rallied both in support of a hostage deal and against the government. Around 2,000 people took to the streets, clashing with police amid rising political tensions.
The protests occurred as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was questioned in a corruption scandal involving his aides’ ties to Qatar. The government is also pushing controversial judicial reforms and moving to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar—all while intensifying military operations in Gaza, where 59 hostages remain captive.
Among those detained was the cousin of a freed hostage, arrested after allegedly cursing a police officer. Protesters also blocked Begin Highway, holding banners demanding the return of the hostages. Merav Svirsky, whose brother was killed in captivity, accused the government of abandoning the hostages to their fate.
Political activists like Shikma Bressler criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of policies that strengthened Hamas. Meanwhile, at a separate protest, police were recorded using force against MK Naama Lazimi, drawing condemnation from her party, Democrats. Lazimi denounced the government as corrupt and pledged to fight for democracy.
In a related development, Israeli authorities confirmed an investigation into a police officer accused of sexually assaulting a female protester at an earlier demonstration. The case follows the controversial arrest of activist Eyal Yaffe, who denies accusations of inappropriate contact with a female border officer.
With tensions rising on multiple fronts—political, judicial, and military—protests in Israel continue to escalate.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/12-arrested-during-jerusalem-protests-for-hostage-deal-and-against-government/