Demonstrators denounce Netanyahu for untimely trip to US amid coronavirus

Crime Minister, one of the participating organizations in the protests, announced on Saturday afternoon that it is expecting "a record number of protesters tonight at Balfour."

By TAMAR URIEL-BEERI
Demonstrators react as police officers start detaining them during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alleged corruption and economic hardship stemming from lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, near his residence in Jerusalem, August 30, 2020 (photo credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)
Demonstrators react as police officers start detaining them during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alleged corruption and economic hardship stemming from lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, near his residence in Jerusalem, August 30, 2020
(photo credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)
For the 12th week in a row, protests kicked off on Saturday evening on Balfour street in Jerusalem – across from the Prime Minister’s Residence – and at junctions and on bridges across the country, demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this time criticizing his upcoming trip the US.
Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington this week to sign the agreement for diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) just as the coronavirus pandemic is causing record infections.
Crime Minister, one of the participating organizations in the protests, announced on Saturday afternoon that it is expecting “a record number of protesters tonight at Balfour.” Indeed, thousands of demonstrators appeared on the street for the protest, although no specific number has been announced at the time of writing.
In addition, thousands of protesters participated in a procession moving from Jerusalem’s Chord Bridge at the entrance of the city and all the way to Paris Square on Balfour. In the past, these processions have strayed from the designated path agreed upon with the police, resulting in violent conflict between police officers and demonstrators.
However, the most recent procession was permitted by police and made its way to Balfour without clashes.
The High Court ruled that the loud noise emanating from the protest can go on until 9:30 p.m. and megaphones may be used until 11 p.m. At approximately 10 p.m. a protester in Jerusalem was arrested for using a megaphone, despite it having been permitted by law.
Protesters outside Netanyahu’s personal residence in Caesarea were, for the first time, given permission from Israel Police on Saturday to hold a procession down the street up until 200 meters from the house.
“Police has completed safety, health and security measures this evening in Jerusalem near Paris Square for this evening’s demonstration,” an Israel Police spokesperson told The Jerusalem Post.
“The people are collapsing and the defendant [Netanyahu], who fails to manage the crisis, closes the country and runs away,” Crime Minister announced on Saturday.
“We will not forgive the defendant for the economic and health catastrophe as a result of political and survival considerations at the expense of the public,” Crime Minister continued.
Crime Minister, along with a handful of other protesting organizations such as the Black Flags protesters, will be making their way to Ben-Gurion Airport to protest Netanyahu’s trip, just as Israel faces a holiday lockdown.
“A moment before entering lockdown, instead of dealing with the disaster he caused – Netanyahu runs away for four days of campaigning in the United States,” the Black Flags organization said ahead of Netanyahu’s trip. “While we do not understand the restrictions and groan beneath the exacerbating crisis, he will be [having fun]. A real leader would stay to protect and strengthen his nation, but Netanyahu was engaged in the search for a private plane for him, his wife and his inciting son.”
Members of the opposition could be seen at several protests throughout the country, with opposition leader Yair Lapid making an appearance at the Tel Aviv demonstrations and Yesh Atid MK Ofer Shelah joining the Jerusalem procession.
Throughout the day, thousands of citizens protested at junctions and on bridges, waving black flags against “government corruption.”