Thousands of Israelis protested in various cities on Saturday against the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government. At a large rally in the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, a central street was blocked off, the news website ynet reported. Many demonstrators called for new elections. Others spoke out in favour of a ceasefire in the Gaza war and a swift deal with the Palestinian militant organization Hamas for the release of further hostages. Protests also took place near Netanyahu’s villa in Caesarea. The police announced that the demonstration in Tel Aviv …