Nine arrested during protest outside Israeli PM's home

Nine protesters were arrested after clashes with members of the security forces during a demonstration outside Israeli PM Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on Monday evening.

Hundreds of Israelis gathered to demand a hostage deal and a change in government. It comes after protesters had gathered near the Knesset earlier on Monday, including former defense minister Moshe Ya’alon, according to an Israeli media outlet. 

Police said protesters were arrested after they “began to disturb the peace on Azza Street and did not listen to police instructions.”  Barricades were placed ahead of the demonstration to prevent protesters from advancing closer to the PM's residence. 

The protests marked the first day of the Knesset's winter session. It comes a day after the families of the hostages attended several meetings advocating for their release. 

On Sunday, protesters shouted "shame on you" during a speech by PM Netanyahu at a ceremony in remembrance of those killed in the October 7 Hamas attack.

Many Israelis blame Netanyahu for failing to prevent the attack, the deaths of hostages held in Gaza, and the government's lack of effort in returning them to Israel. 

More than 60 living hostages, and the bodies of about 35 others taken captive on October 7 are still in Gaza, Israeli authorities say.

אחרי כשעתיים של משיכות וגרירות הצליחה המשטרה להדוף את המפגינים מעזה 35 לעזה פינת ברלין. 125 מטרים. pic.twitter.com/s5enRsOrHh

— نير حسون Nir Hasson ניר חסון (@nirhasson) October 28, 2024