Coronavirus: Israeli police turn water on Netanyahu protesters
Israeli police fired water cannons to disperse anti-government protests attended by thousands on Saturday.
Israeli police fired water cannons to disperse anti-government protests attended by thousands on Saturday, as public anger mounts over the handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Demonstrators gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem and at a park in Tel Aviv, voicing frustration over the government’s response to a growing epidemic that has taken a devastating economic toll.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said officers had allowed demonstrations to take place but took action against unauthorised “disturbances,” including road blockages.
Mr Rosenfeld said protesters in Tel Aviv sprayed pepper spray at police, leading to multiple arrests.
With Israel recording more than 1000 new coronavirus infections a day in recent weeks, the government on Friday announced a broad range of new restrictions.
Shops, markets and other public venues have closed on weekends, while restaurants have been restricted to take away and delivery.
Mr Netanyahu has admitted he reopened the economy too soon through late April and early May, when Israel, a country of about nine million people, had reduced its daily caseload to a trickle.
In an apparent bid to quell public anger, Mr Netanyahu last week announced plans to send cash to all Israelis — a measure criticised by some experts who said the economy needed targeted assistance, not a nationwide payout.
While some protesters voiced frustration over the reimposed restrictions, others have blasted the government for failing to improve testing capacity ahead of the second wave of transmission.
According to a July 12 poll by the Israel Democracy Institute, only 29.5 per cent of the public supported Mr Netanyahu’s coronavirus management, compared with 57.5 per cent in April.
Some protesters demanded Mr Netanyahu’s resignation over corruption charges. The trial was to continue in Jerusalem on Sunday, although Mr Netanyahu was not expected to appear in court.
AFP
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