Hundreds protest in Tokyo demanding closure of Israeli embassy

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Tokyo on September 8 to demand the closure of the Israeli embassy and the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador to Japan. The demonstration was organized in part by the Network Against Japan Arms Trade (NAJAT), which said the protest aimed to deliver a formal message to the Japanese government.

Participants carried Palestinian flags and placards while chanting slogans such as "Freedom for Palestine." The embassy is located in a narrow alley with limited space, and a heavy police presence prevented protesters from approaching the building directly.

A representative of NAJAT said, "The Israeli ambassador to Japan has changed, and a new ambassador has taken up the post, so we came here today to make our voice heard that we wanted our government to expel him." The group also expressed the view that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested and called on the Japanese government to close the embassy.

Speakers at the protest criticized Japan's relationship with Israel, particularly regarding military and weapons cooperation. They denounced the Japanese government's plans to purchase Israeli drones, which they said were developed through the targeting and killing of Palestinians.

The protest reflects ongoing public opposition in Japan to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza and to Japan's defense ties with Israel. According to Mehr News, the demonstration was one of several organized by NAJAT and other groups in recent months.