Israel Protests: Thousands Demand PM Netanyahu Resign Before Second Lockdown

Thousands demonstrated outside Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence in central Jerusalem late Saturday, demanding he resign over his trial on corruption charges and what is widely seen as his mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic.

With Israel reporting record levels of new coronavirus cases each day, the country appears to be headed toward a nationwide lockdown this week ahead of the Jewish New Year.

Saturday’s demonstration came a day after Israel announced an agreement to establish diplomatic relations with Bahrain, the second Arab country to normalize ties with Israel in under a month and just the fourth overall.

But the surprise announcement had little effect on the thousands of demonstrators, who have been gathering outside Netanyahu’s residence every Saturday throughout the summer. Protests against Netanyahu over his corruption trial have expanded to include demonstrations against his handling of the health crisis and the resulting economic pain.

Late Saturday, police detained several protesters.

Israel earned praise last spring for its early handling of the virus crisis, moving quickly to seal the country’s borders and appearing to bring an outbreak under control.

But Netanyahu has come under criticism for reopening the economy too quickly in May. Since then, new cases have soared, the government has been blamed for mismanaging the resurgence and unemployment has soared to double digit levels. Many struggling workers and business owners fear another closure will be devastating. Many of the demonstrators are unemployed.

Last week Netanyahu announced overnight curfews on some 40 cities and towns hit hard by the coronavirus, but backed away from reported recommendations for full lockdowns after an uproar by politically powerful religious politicians.

Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes for his role in a series of scandals involving gifts and alleged favors exchanged with wealthy associates.

He denies any wrongdoing and accuses police, prosecutors and the media of conspiring to oust him. He has dismissed the protesters as “leftists” and “anarchists.”

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[patriciamoran]

So happy that Israeli people woke up at this very moment. God be with you .

[PaperKitty]

He’s signing a “peace treaty” on Tuesday. Look up your redemption is nigh 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[sl]

They just need to keep on working and living life.

[biglebowski]

Another wanna be dictator who refuses to leave. Nice democracy

[lizslp]

If every state and country work for the better of humanity these marches, protests and riots would not have started in the first place.Long live the people who ask for higher power president to step down if they are not for the people.Because whatever happens to the third world countries affect us, too.No more corruption and liars.

[jasonw]

Jesus Christ is Messiah & Lord and savior of all mankind.

[randyroggenbuck]

He should resign with all the problems he's been charged with. How can anyone run a country with charges like taking money? If he was smart and wanted to do the right thing for his country he just step down

[calvinduke]

Don't they know it's a bad idea to be in a crowd

[johnjay]

This is it! Oh my god covid is here! Soon they’ll only be 99.97% of us left 😱😱

[joeystarrett]

It don't matter, another Jewel will just take his place.

[biscuitent]

Seems as the hole damn world been a mess since January 2020

[muhammadumar]

Ohh I thought he was bringing peace in Middle East. 🤣😂

[jackiebarnes]

Netanyahu does not care what. The citizens of israel want. Jewish holidays are starting this week lockdown. But sure just like with passover.. He will be with family and friends. When the rest of us can not be.

[WhyTheHorseface]

Translations/captions would have been helpful.

[bigdougscommentary]

Just like all authoritarian leaders. Everyone is out to get him.

[bosswomen]

I love the Jewish people, I just do. I have been blessed to have many good friends who have been very kind. Do we care enough to pray for them? It's not enough just to send 💰. We must show our love by standing up for what's right. Standing up against anti-Semitism and racism right here in the US. Let's pray for them as they go into lock down, it's not fun. We pray that as they enter into Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur the most Holiest time of the year that the Almighty will hear their prayers and heal them. We pray that the Most High will manifest Himself in a fresh new way and do a new thing among them. Bless them with His grace, mercy and of course ☮️. To the Jew first then to the Gentile. Thank you, Lord. Praise Your Holy Name. Amen 🛐

[javiervelasco]

“Pedro les dijo: Arrepentíos, y bautícese cada uno de vosotros en el nombre de Jesucristo para perdón de los pecados; y recibiréis el don del Espíritu Santo.”
‭‭Hechos‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭RVR1960‬‬

“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭NASB‬‬

[grimeslordeoceaneyes]

Quantum Entanglement ~ Celestial Changes

[tubvaj]

Now thats a peaceful protest yet plentiful

[MOCOHO-JONNY]

I 🇺🇸like Benjamin but term limits are important.
I hate royals and dictatorships.