Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Anti-Netanyahu protests held nationwide November 28 /update 27

Event

Between one and two thousand people gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem on Saturday night, November 28, as part of weekly protests to call for his resignation. Several hundred protesters also gathered in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square. Smaller protests were reported at junctions and overpasses across Israel, as well as outside Netanyahu's private home in the coastal town of Caesaria. Some clashes were reported between demonstrators and right-wing counter-protesters in Ness Ziona, which had to be broken up by police.

Similar protests calling for Netanyahu's resignation are expected to take place weekly on Saturday nights across Israel. The demonstrations will likely be accompanied by a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport.

Context

Protests have been reported throughout Israel in recent months over the government's handling of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Anger over the issue has been compounded by pre-existing anti-Netanyahu sentiment, with the Prime Minister facing three criminal cases over alleged corruption.

Advice

Those in Israel are advised to monitor developments, avoid protests as a precaution, anticipate transport disruptions in the vicinity of any demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.