Thousands of Israelis protested for the third night in a row against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanded the release of the hostages that the Palestinian Islamist group " Hamas" still holds the Gaza Strip, reported DPA, quoted by BTA.
Protesters in the Knesset area of Jerusalem called for new elections, Israeli media reported.
There have been a number of mass protests against the Netanyahu government in Israel over the past few months. Many Israelis accuse the prime minister of bowing to the demands of his far-right coalition partners, thus thwarting an agreement to release the hostages held by Hamas.
There are ministers in the cabinet who oppose the conclusion of a deal with the Islamist organization, because such a move would lead to a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages with Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, DPA notes.
However, according to Netanyahu, the lack of progress in the negotiations between Israel and "Hamas", which are conducted through mediators, is the fault of the Palestinian group and its intransigent positions.
Recently, more and more demonstrators have joined the protests against the Israeli government. Criticism of the security forces for preventing the access of medical personnel to injured demonstrators, as well as for the police using water cannons, is also increasing.
Clashes broke out between police and protesters in front of Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on Monday evening. Several people were injured, and demonstrators were detained.