Thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night, resuming their calls for the embattled leader to step down despite his historic agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates.
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Israelis have been gathering outside Netanyahu's residence several times a week throughout the summer, protesting his handling of the coronavirus crisis and saying he should not remain in office while on trial for corruption charges.
While Netanyahu has tried to play down the protests, the gatherings appear to be getting stronger. Even Netanyahu's blockbuster announcement on Thursday announcing plans to establish ties with the UAE, appeared to have no effect on the protesters' momentum.
Thousands of people thronged central Jerusalem on Saturday night, blaring horns, hoisting flags and chanting slogans against Netanyahu. A smaller protest took place near Netanyahu's private beach home in the upscale coastal town of Caesaria, while other gatherings took place on bridges and intersections across the country.
The rallies against Netanyahu are the largest Israel has seen since 2011 protests over the country's high cost of living.
Many of the demonstrators, including many young unemployed Israelis, accuse Netanyau of mishandling the coronavirus crisis and the economic damage it has caused.
After moving quickly to contain the virus last spring, many believe Israel reopened its economy too quickly. The country is now coping with a spike in cases, while unemployment has surged to over 20 per cent.
Netanyahu is also facing charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals.
Australian Associated Press
