Protests Against Netanyahu Continue in Tel Aviv Despite Virus Restrictions

Israelis across the country took to the streets on Tuesday, continuing months of weekly protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite restrictions prompted by the coronavirus.

The protesters gathered in clusters close to their homes, an attempt not to violate pandemic measures that limit movement within one kilometer (0.6 miles) of one's place of residence.

In Tel Aviv's Habima Square, several protesters were arrested. The reasons for the arrests were not immediately clear.

Police often went into the crowd of protesters, checking their identification documents to establish where they lived.

Mounted police were also deployed in Tel Aviv to help contain the protests.

Netanyahu has been the target of weekly demonstrations outside his official residence in Jerusalem since the summer, with protesters calling on him to resign over his trial on multiple corruption allegations and his response to the pandemic.

Earlier this week, Israel's parliament passed a law that would allow the government to curtail public protests during the lockdown, as Netanyahu's critics accused him of trying to muzzle dissent.

Netanyahu says the restrictions are needed to prevent transmission of the virus.

Following the new measures groups organizing the demonstrations called for protesters to voice their opposition outside their homes.

Israeli media said hundreds of protests dotted the country.

Israel went into a second nationwide lockdown last month and is now grappling with one of the worst outbreaks in the world on a per capita basis.

The emergency government has been roiled by infighting and has faced widespread criticism over its confusing and often contradictory response to the pandemic.

Israel, with a population of just nine million, has reported a total of more than 250,000 cases and more than 1,600 deaths.

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[judichristophersen]

Trump will be voted out for stopping Stimulus Checks

[heathen]

I'm writing a research topic about this and I would like to ask the israeli protesters for their input. Can you tell me how you feel about this? what are the reasons that made you start protesting? I am very interested in your point of view in this event.

[natas]

Freedom is the greatest gift!
Thanks Israël 🙏

[zaikakitchenwithrk]

Crime minister Benjamin Netanyahu 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[TheQuarterbackX]

2019 where one of the main goals with Protesting is to be as annoying as possible, as if a 5yo with a noise maker.