After months of punishing tariff hikes, President Trump flips the script—announcing zero import duties on 45 key categories including gold, nickel, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals for trading partners who strike “reciprocal” deals with Washington.
Tens of thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as families of hostages—held by Hamas for over 700 days—warned their loved ones face imminent death, confronting Netanyahu outside his home with demands for a deal.
Israel’s streets erupted Saturday night as tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, fueled by mounting fear that the remaining hostages held by Hamas are facing their final days.
For the first time, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum shifted the weekly demonstrations from central Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, rallying directly outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home. The move marked a dramatic escalation, aimed at forcing Israel’s leadership to strike a deal before it is too late.
“My Son’s Life Is in Immediate Danger”
Anat Angrest, mother of 21-year-old IDF soldier Matan Angrest, kidnapped from a tank on October 7, 2023, revealed that she received a phone call from Israeli intelligence warning that her son’s life was “in immediate danger.”
In a searing message to Netanyahu on X, she wrote:
“Prime Minister, did you sleep last night? I spent the 700th night without sleep. My Matan’s life is in immediate danger. Tonight I will stand at your doorstep, with masses of Israeli citizens. You won’t have quiet from me—it’s over.”
Matan is believed to be seriously injured in captivity.
A Mother’s Fury Spreads
Her plea was echoed by Viki Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, who wrote:
“My Nimrod is in immediate danger of death because of a decision you made. Tonight I will come to your doorstep along with tens of thousands of Israelis.”
Both mothers accused Netanyahu of recklessly endangering hostages by ordering new IDF operations near locations where captives are thought to be held.
Families Fear Gaza Offensive
The protests come as Israel prepares a major assault on Gaza City. Families warn that pushing deeper into Hamas strongholds could result in their loved ones being killed—either by Israeli strikes or by Hamas as retaliation.
The chants outside Netanyahu’s home reflected raw rage and desperation: “Deal now!” and “Bring them home alive!”
700 Days of Captivity
The rallies marked over 700 days since the hostages were taken, with no resolution in sight. Families say the government’s delays are condemning their children to death.
As one protester put it:
“This is not politics. This is life or death. And every day wasted is another coffin.”
