Israelis Urge Netanyahu to Quit over Coronavirus, Corruption
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – About 2,000 Israelis rallied outside Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem al-Quds as protests mounted against him over his handling of a worsening coronavirus crisis and corruption.
Wearing protective masks, the demonstrators marched from Netanyahu’s official residence to parliament, holding up signs that read “Crime Minister” and calling on the five-term premier to step down, Reuters reported.
Public anger has been also been fueled by corruption against Netanyahu, who went on trial in May for bribery, fraud and breach of trust — charges he denies.
As part of the protest, restaurant owners set up a free buffet for the demonstrators, demanding their businesses keep open or else receive compensation.
Tel Aviv lifted in May a partial lockdown that had flattened an infection curve. But a second surge of COVID-19 cases and ensuing restrictions has seen Netanyahu’s approval ratings plunge to under 30% and employment soar to 21%.
Israel has reported more than 50,000 coronavirus cases and 422 deaths.
