Thousands of people attended the 24th Jerusalem Pride Parade on Thursday, in honor of Pride Month.
As part of the opening to the event, former prime minister Yair Lapid announced that in the first 100 days of the next government, they would pass a law ensuring that all couples in Israel would be equal.
"Mother and father, father and father, mother and mother, all will have the same rights, all will be equal before the law," he said.
"We stand here with the entire gay community today to say: The situation is not a given, reality is not a decree of fate," he added.
"We are masters of our own destiny. If this government has a problem with LGBT people, then this government should go home, because the community is not going anywhere. Happy Pride Month. I am proud to be here with you."
MK Gilad Kariv also attended the parade. In a post on X/Twitter, he mentioned that the previous year had set a new record for violent incidents against the LGBT community.
"We will not give up the right of every young man and woman, every man and woman in Israel, to feel safe, loved, and valued," he wrote.
As the parade began, several people held signs protesting Israel's military actions in Gaza and treatment of Palestinians, with some reading "No pride in genocide" and "No pride in apartheid."
Pride parade to pass Knesset, Supreme Court
The march, held under the slogan “Demanding Change,” departed from Sacher Park and will continue toward the Rose Garden, passing near the Supreme Court and Knesset area.
Organizers said the route, approved in coordination with the Jerusalem District Police, is intended to underline that the demand for equality is not symbolic, but requires action by decision-makers.
This year's closing rally at the Rose Garden opposite the Knesset will be hosted by Elad Bar-Noy and Aviya Farhi.
Security around the parade was particularly prominent, as it has been since the 2015 murder of 16-year-old Shira Banki, who was killed during a Jerusalem Pride event.
Avihai Chiim contributed to this report.