Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Anti-Netanyahu protests held nationwide November 21 /update 26

Event

Thousands of Israelis gathered nationwide on Saturday, November 21, as part of the weekly protest movement against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of corruption. Some 3000 people gathered near the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, while 1000-2000 gathered at his private residence in Caesarea. Several hundred also gathered in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square and in Haifa. Smaller protests were also reported at highway bridges and intersections nationwide. The Black Flag movement, which is behind the protests, claimed that protesters in the community of Shlomi in northern Israel were assaulted by pro-Netanyahu activists on Saturday, although Israeli police have dismissed the allegation.

Continued protests are likely over the near term. A heightened security presence and an associated disruption to business and transportation is to be expected in the vicinity of protest sites.

Context

Protests have been reported throughout Israel in recent months over the government's handling of the 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.