War between Israel and Hamas: The Israeli army says it will send more troops underground

For two months, protesters have tried to remain apolitical at weekly rallies in support of hostages, as many family members of hostages feel they must balance cooperating with the government with pressing to bring their loved ones home.

But with the renewed anti-government protests, politics is starting to seep in.

Since the October 7 Hamas-led attack, anti-government sentiments, once widespread, have largely disappeared from the streets. Organizers halted powerful protests against the far-right government’s judicial reforms, which had consumed Israel for months.

As the war approaches its third month, some demonstrators said they felt the need to resume their protests against the government. The atmosphere at Saturday night’s anti-government protest was full of anger, as people chanted “shame” and jeered any mention of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“At first we tried to be polite, but we understood that we cannot wait any longer,” said Guy Zeoof, 56, a protester from Ramat Gan. “Bibi has to go,” he added, referring to Mr Netanyahu by his nickname.

Later, during the hostage meeting, the demonstrators were more subdued, but there was still an undercurrent of anger. Sharon Alony Cunio, a returned hostage, condemned the government for not doing more to bring home the remaining prisoners, including her husband David.

“In recent weeks, the government has not presented its own initiative,” she said. “Instead, almost every day there is only bad news about bodies coming out of Gaza.” In recent weeks, the Israeli military said it had accidentally killed three of the hostages.

Still, many protesters said they were wary of politicizing the hostage crisis.

“In a parallel world I would be at the other protest,” Dina Walker, 27, said during the hostage rally. “I think it is more important to show support and ensure that people return home. Then we can take care of the rest.”