JERUSALEM (AP) – Thousands of Israelis renewed weekly demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, demanding the resignation of the longtime leader over allegations of corruption against him and his alleged mistreatment of the coronavirus crisis.
Protesters had placards reading “Go” and “Bibi, let my men go,” referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.
The protest in a market in Jerusalem, near Netanyahu’s official residence, comes as Israel is in the midst of a third national blockade, which was recently tightened at schools, and as the country moves forward. a world-leading vaccination action. Netanyahu’s trial was set to resume this week, but was postponed indefinitely amid stricter restrictions.
Netanyahu has been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three lengthy investigations. He has denied any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by hostile media, law enforcement and judicial officials. Protesters claim that Netanyahu cannot properly lead the country while being charged.
Israel has seen a recent increase in cases, despite the launch of one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world. The country administered the first of two vaccine doses to nearly 20 percent of its population, and Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel had provided enough vaccines to inoculate the entire adult population by the end of March.
Netanyahu has placed the vaccination effort at the center of his re-election campaign in the same month. On March 23, Israel will hold its fourth national vote in less than two years. Meanwhile, he called on the Israelis to make “one last great effort” to stop the transmission by tightening restrictions.