Tensions boiled over in Jerusalem Tuesday night as a protest over Israelis captured in Gaza quickly descended into chaos and violence. What began as a rally outside the Knesset calling for the return of captive Israelis morphed into a fiery march to the Prime Minister's Residence and ultimately devolved into pitched battles between protesters and police officers on horseback. Five were arrested and a police officer was injured.
The dramatic events kicked off when Einav Zangauker mother of captive Israeli Matan, took the stage and lashed out at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "You are the Pharaoh inflicting the plague of the first-born upon us," she exclaimed. "You've failed. The blood of 1,400 murdered Israelis is on your hands, and 240 have been abducted under your watch."
Zangauker accused Netanyahu of fostering Hamas' rise and vowed relentless protests until her son returned. "We will set this country ablaze, shake the earth. As long as my Matan has no day or night, neither will you."
Merav Svirsky whose brother Ittai was kidnapped and killed, echoed the fury. "Netanyahu didn't just fail to return the captives – he doesn't want to!" she cried. "The prime minister must resign immediately!"
Video: Protesters clash with police in Tel Aviv, April 2, 2024 / Credit: Israel Police
After the speeches, thousands of protesters marched with torches towards the Prime Minister's Residence on Gaza Street, clashing with mounted police as they tried to breach security barricades. One protester crawled under a water cannon truck to halt its advance.
The Israel Police spokesperson said the following: "Hundreds of rioters tried to violently break through police barricades near the PM's residence. One hurled a burning torch at a mounted officer. After repeated refusals to disperse, police deployed riot control measures."
Former PM Ehud Barak warned grimly: "If a ground offensive into Rafah occurs, by the time it's over in months, the captives may return home largely in coffins."
The night's unrest left one police officer injured by a thrown barricade. As crowds began marching towards the President's Residence, the prime minister faced unprecedented pressure to resolve the captives' crisis soon.
