Israelis protest in Tel Aviv
Israelis protest in Tel AvivPR photo

Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated on Tuesday evening as the Security Cabinet was meeting in Tel Aviv, demanding that the government approve an extensive military operation to topple Hamas.

"Israel’s power of deterrence has broken down and we must strengthen it again,” said the protesters, among whom were secular and religious Israelis, residents of Tel Aviv, residents of Judea and Samaria, students of the Beitar movement, and more.

Davidi Ben-Zion, head of the Shomron’s strategic unit, spoke at the demonstration and said, "Hamas needs to understand that the game is over. We expect the Cabinet to listen to the wishes of the people. We are strong and back the government in a military move that will smash Hamas and restore deterrence."

The Security Cabinet was meeting to discuss what response Israel is to take in response to the murder of Israeli youths Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Sha’ar and Eyal Yifrah at the hands of Hamas terrorists. This topic already raised serious debate in a similar meeting on Monday night, in which leftist ministers opposed expanding Israel's operations.

MK Ze’ev Elkin, head of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, earlier called for the death penalty for the murderers of the three teens.

Speaking with Kol Yisrael radio, Elkin called for the total demolition of the homes of the kidnapping suspects, who were named as Marwan Kawasmeh and Amar Abu-Eisha and whose homes were partially destroyed Monday night. Elkin reiterated that the home demolitions have been proven to deter future Hamas terrorists. 

The MK also called for death penalty for the murderers, adding that the official response to the abduction must deepen Israel's foothold in Judea and Samaria. 

Deputy Transportation Minister Tzipi Hotovely made a similar call Tuesday, telling Arutz Sheva that it was time to “change the rules of the game” following the murder of the three teenagers.