Hundreds protest Netanyahu gov't, anti-Arab racism across Israel

The Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon was targeted by Israeli forces with artillery and airstrikes, as reported by Al Mayadeen. The ridge is situated within Israel's security zone in the Nabatieh district. Meanwhile, a 35-year-old Israeli man was found deceased in his hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand, according to Zaka, the Israeli emergency services organization.

Across Israel, hundreds of people demonstrated against the government on Saturday evening, holding rallies in various locations. The largest gathering occurred in Tel Aviv's Habima Square, where around 400 protesters called for a state commission of inquiry into the aftermath of October 7 and the ongoing war, alongside calls for measures to ensure election integrity.

Eyal Eshel, whose daughter Roni was killed during the October 7 attack at the Nahal Oz military post, reiterated his demand for a state commission of inquiry, emphasizing that a country failing to investigate its greatest historical failure cannot truly rectify it. He also criticized the lack of attention given to female observers since October 7, warning that such neglect endangers the nation's future.

Retired police commander Yossi Sedbon joined an initiative aimed at safeguarding election integrity. He accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of attempting to seize control of the Israel Police and transform it into a private militia, while warning of potential harm before, during, and after the elections.

In Haifa, a government protest took place at the Horev Center, addressing a controversy involving allegations of racism against Arab medical staff at Rambam Hospital. Dr. Iyas Awwad, a Rambam Hospital physician, noted that racism has always existed in the background but has recently gained political support and media attention, legitimized by key figures in the country and fueling hatred.

Qatar denied on Saturday holding Iranian pilots, stating they had violated Qatari airspace earlier in the year and failed to respond to contact attempts. The Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson informed X that search and rescue teams later discovered one pilot's remains and coordinated with Iran to arrange its handover. Tehran has yet to respond to the invitation for reviewing details of its operations.

Residents of southern Lebanon fled their homes on Saturday following Israeli strikes on the outskirts of Ansar and a structure in Deir al-Zahrani, resulting in at least 11 fatalities, as reported by Lebanon's Health Ministry. The strikes marked the deadliest escalation since the June cease-fire, with videos on social media showcasing heavy traffic as people evacuated the region via car.