Demonstrators Slam Netanyahu’s Handling of Economy, Coronavirus (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Thousands of protesters called for the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in rallies outside his home in Jerusalem al-Quds on Saturday over the regime's COVID-19 response, high unemployment and corruption.
More than 5,000 people gathered on Balfour Street, now a frequent site of anti-government demonstrations, according to Haaretz newspaper, making it the biggest of several protests this week. Demonstrators also rallied elsewhere in Israel.
Protesters' grievances focused mainly on Netanyahu's handling of the pandemic, including a strict lockdown that caused unemployment to surge and a spike in cases after the abrupt lifting of safety measures in May. Demonstrators also decried legislation passed this week granting the government emergency powers until 2021, as well as Netanyahu's refusal to step down as prime minister despite facing corruption charges.
The rally saw heavy police presence with more than 100 people were arrested during this week's protests.
