Protestors in Israel interrupted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at a Sunday ceremony held to remember victims of October 7 attack, reported AP. The rebels shouted, ‘shame on you’ causing an uproar that forced Netanyahu to halt his speech shortly after it began.
The major national commemoration was being broadcast live across the country.
During a ceremony in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Netanyahu faced interruptions from family members of victims. He remained motionless at the lectern as audience members shouted at him. One protester repeatedly exclaimed, “My father was killed,” reported Al Jazeera.
A report from the Times of Israel noted that the commemoration was originally not intended to include speeches from bereaved family members, as there were concerns they might criticize the Israeli government. However, due to the protests, family members were eventually permitted to speak at the ceremony.
Many Israelis hold Netanyahu accountable, criticizing him for the security lapses that allowed Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, and for failing to secure the release of hostages still held by the group in Gaza.