Key Points
- Israeli protest groups have held demonstrations against Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
- The protesters are demanding that the government facilitate the return of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas.
- They also called for early elections and the removal of the Netanyahu government.
Tens of thousands of people have rallied in Jerusalem against Benjamin Netanyahu's government, calling for early elections and the being held by Hamas.
In Tel Aviv, some families of hostages and their supporters, blocked a main highway, protesting against what they described as Netanyahu's failure to return their loved ones.
Protesters also criticised the government over exemptions of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service, an issue that is splitting opinion within the prime minister's own cabinet.
"This government is a complete and utter failure," said 74-year-old Nurit Robinson, at the rally.
"They will lead us into the abyss."
Israel's N12 News said it appeared to be the largest demonstration since the Hamas attack on 7 October and the ensuing war in Gaza.
At a news conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said he was confident a solution will be found.
He also said holding an election at the height of war, when he said Israel was so close to victory, would paralyse the country for months.
Netanyahu has vowed to keep up military pressure on Hamas, while showing flexibility in the talks, saying that only that combination would bring about the release of hostages.
Netanyahu's cabinet has faced widespread criticism over the security failure, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage.
The 7 October attack was a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's ensuing military offensive in Gaza, according to the health ministry.
The protests came as Netanyahu prepared to undergo surgery for a hernia.
The hernia was detected during a routine examination, according to a statement from his office.
"I assure you that I will get through this treatment successfully and return to action very quickly," Netanyahu told reporters at a conference.
