Tel Aviv:Demonstrators gathered across Israel on Saturday evening, advocating for a new government that includes Arab parties. The protests, held in multiple cities, were met with counter-demonstrations from right-wing activists calling for a fresh election.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, thousands assembled at Habima Square in central Tel Aviv, pressing for a government to be formed in cooperation with the Joint List and Ra'am, the United Arab List. Protesters carried signs with messages such as "Through partnership and equality, we change the government" and "The people gave you their support - form a government now," before marching towards Rabin Square.
Similar demonstrations were reported by Haaretz in Jerusalem's Paris Square and Haifa's auditorium plaza, with smaller gatherings in Beersheba and at the Ras Amer junction near Tira and Tayibe. Protesters displayed signs with the numbers '67' and '53,' indicating the parliamentary balance after the recent election, where parties opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured 67 seats against Netanyahu's 53.
In parallel, hundreds of right-wing activists protested at Habima Square against including Arab parties in the government. They chanted slogans supporting Netanyahu and demanding new elections. Police had designated separate areas for the opposing protests, but some right-wing activists entered the area designated for those supporting Israeli-Arab partnership.
Despite having a parliamentary majority, Israeli-led parties against Netanyahu have largely rejected forming a coalition with Arab parties. This leaves them with 48 seats, five short of Netanyahu's bloc and insufficient for a majority. Both Netanyahu and his Zionist opponents face a stalemate, unable to form a government without Arab party support or defections from the change bloc. Ra'am has shown interest in joining the government, while Joint List leader Yousef Jabareen expressed readiness to facilitate Netanyahu's removal.