Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the official residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday night to demand his resignation.
Protesters have gathered every Saturday in central Jerusalem for the past seven months, arguing that Netanyahu should relinquish his post while facing corruption charges and for what they see is mishandling of the coronavirus crisis in the country.
Netanyahu’s detractors say he shouldn’t be able to serve as prime minister when dealing with a trial on charges of fraud, breach of trust and taking bribes in three separate cases. The resumption of the trial is scheduled for this week.
They also blame him for damaging Israel’s economy, as the unemployment rate stands in double digits after a series of nationwide lockdowns.
On Sunday, the country began to relax the measures of its third lockdown, but most of the restrictions will remain in force as coronavirus infections continue to rise despite one of the most successful vaccination campaigns in the world.
Israel is preparing to hold new elections on March 23.