Hundreds rally in Israel for government including Arab parties to end Netanyahu rule

Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday evening calling for a new government that includes Arab parties and ends Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rule, Middle East Monitor reported.

About 300 people rallied in the Jezreel Valley in northern Israel, while several hundred others gathered in Habima Square in Tel Aviv, all demanding Arab parties be part of the next government, according to Haaretz and The Times of Israel.

Protesters held signs in Arabic and Hebrew referencing the 67 seats won by parties opposed to Netanyahu in the 120-seat Knesset, chanting slogans such as “Without partnership, there is no peace” and calling for freedom and equality for all, Middle East Monitor noted.

The Standing Together movement, which advocates Jewish-Arab partnership and political equality, participated in the rallies, and some protesters also called for the release of journalist Abd Abu Shahadeh, Israeli media reported.

Meanwhile, France 24 reported that Arab-led parties have endorsed Gadi Eisenkot despite his ruling out a coalition with them, united by the goal of removing Netanyahu from power.

The Arab parties' influence could be significant in forming Israel's next government, though Eisenkot has not agreed to a coalition with them, France 24 added.