Tens of thousands of Israeli protesters call for Netanyahu’s removal

Demonstrators join families of hostages in cities across country and vow to persist until he is ousted as PM

Tens of thousands of people across Israel joined the families of hostages this weekend to protest against the government and call for the removal of Benjamin Netanyahu, as the Israeli prime minister grappled with one of the most serious threats yet to his coalition.

The protesters in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Caesarea and other cities on Saturday - and at a further demonstration outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Sunday - demanded the release of those still held captive in Gaza after close to six months, and labelled Netanyahu an obstacle to the deal", vowing to persist until he leaves power.