Antigovernment protesters clashed with the Israeli police outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home in Jerusalem overnight, during the third day of demonstrations demanding early elections and his removal.
The chaotic scenes prompted Benny Gantz, Mr. Netanyahu’s chief rival, to call for calm and unity on Wednesday morning.
“We must reject violence from any side and respect the law and rules of the game,” he wrote. “A protest is legitimate, but breaking police instructions and barriers is not acceptable.”
Since Sunday, thousands of protesters have gathered in Jerusalem, starting a four-day antigovernment protest outside the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. The demonstrations have grown in size each evening.
The protest and an authorized march began peacefully on Tuesday night but escalated into what the Israeli police called a “riot.” They reported that hundreds tried to breach barriers near Mr. Netanyahu’s house but were stopped by officers.
Afterward, dozens caused disorder in the street, prompting the police to use riot control measures. Five people were arrested, and one officer was injured.
Photos showed the police using water cannons to disperse protesters, many of whom carried Israeli flags.
There was no immediate response from Mr. Netanyahu, who had just been discharged from the hospital after surgery for a hernia.
Many protesters accuse Mr. Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over the interests of the Israeli people and blame him for the government’s failure to prevent the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. They also criticize him for not doing enough to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and other groups in Gaza.
Posters of the hostages and signs reading “Bring Them Home” have been prominent at the protests.
Despite hesitance to protest during the war, this week’s demonstrations have been significant, though smaller compared to last year’s protests against the government.
Gabby Sobelman contributed to this report.
