Demonstrations in Central Israel Demanding Early Elections

Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated in the city of Rehovot in central Israel and in front of the Ministry of Defense today, Saturday, demanding early elections and the release of Israeli captives in the Gaza Strip. Former Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense Moshe Ya'alon joined the protest. Large demonstrations are expected to take place in Tel Aviv and 55 other locations across the country this evening, according to the newspaper "Israel Hayom." Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid stated, "This government is a disaster for the state, and to save Israel, elections must be held now." Meanwhile, Channel 13 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has not yet responded to requests from his government allies Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot to convene a war council to discuss a prisoner exchange with Hamas. Israeli media previously mentioned that the war council has not convened for about two weeks.