16 Feb 2018 | 04:50 PM UTC
Israel: Protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu in Tel Aviv Feb. 16
Protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu in Tel Aviv February 16; additional protests expected in the coming weeks
Event
Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv on Friday, February 16, demanding an end to corruption and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resign amid police recommendations that he be indicted on bribery charges in two separate cases. Pro- and anti-government protests, a heightened security presence, and associated transportation disruptions are likely in Tel Aviv and other cities in the coming weeks.
Context
Weekly anti-corruption demonstrations have taken place in Tel Aviv over the last several months, with demonstrations generally staged on Saturdays at Habima Square.
The Israeli political scene has recently been dominated by a corruption scandal involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On February 13, the Israeli police said it had gathered enough evidence to recommend the filing of bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust charges against Netanyahu in two corruption cases. As of February 16, Netanyahu continues to deny any wrongdoing and has declared that his government would remain in power until the end of his term. It is the responsibility of the Israeli attorney general to determine whether or not to press charges, which may take months.
Advice
Individuals in Israel are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
In general, due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.
