JERUSALEM (AP) – Thousands of Israelis renewed weekly demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, asking the longtime leader to step down on charges of corruption against him and his alleged inadequate handling of the coronavirus crisis.
The protesters held signs with the words “Go” and “Bibi, let my people go”, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.
The protest in a Jerusalem square near Netanyahu’s official residence comes as Israel is in the middle of its third national blockade, which has recently been restricted to close schools, and as the country moves forward with a world-leading vaccination campaign. The Netanyahu trial was scheduled to resume this week, but has been postponed indefinitely amidst the strictest restrictions.
Netanyahu was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust related to three long-running investigations. He denied any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by the hostile media, police and judicial authorities. Protesters argue that Netanyahu cannot adequately lead the country while on charges.
Israel has seen a recent increase in cases, despite triggering one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world. The country gave the first of two doses of vaccine to almost 20% of its population, and Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel had secured enough vaccines to inoculate the entire adult population by the end of March.
Netanyahu placed the vaccination campaign at the center of his campaign for re-election that same month. On March 23, Israel will hold its fourth national vote in less than two years. In the meantime, he asked the Israelis to make “one last big effort” to stop the broadcast, adhering to the stricter restrictions.