Thousands call for Netanyahu’s ouster at Tel Aviv rally

Several thousand protesters called for the embattled prime minister’s resignation during a Saturday night rally in Tel Aviv.

By World Israel News and AP

Tel Aviv’s Habima Square was the location selected by anti-Netanyahu protesters on Saturday evening for a demonstration demanding that the incumbent step aside in light of the corruption charges Benjamin Netanyahu faces in three separate cases.

Several thousand protesters gathered for the event according to various Israeli media outlets, united apparently by their desire to see Netanyahu resign immediately, which some view as a key step in the formation of a new government in Israel.

The demonstration follows a pro-Netanyahu rally held on Tuesday night in the same location in Tel Aviv, at which thousands of people rallied in support of the prime minister.

At the Tuesday rally, Netanyahu ally Micky Zohar, one of the few Likud officials to attend, told the crowd, “We can’t replace the system, but we can change it.”

Culture Minister Miri Regev, another Netanyahu backer, said the protest aimed to “convey a message that the rule of law isn’t above the law.”

With Israel facing a potential third election in less than a year, Netanyahu is seeking to put down any potential rebellion in Likud by rallying his base.

Despite calls for his resignation, Netanyahu seems determined to cling to power and fight the charges from the prime minister’s office.

The prime minister has been critical of police and prosecutors since Israel’s attorney general last week indicted Netanyahu on fraud, breach of trust and bribery charges.

Israel’s political system has been in limbo for the past year after inconclusive elections in April and September. With neither Netanyahu nor his main rival, former military chief Benny Gantz, able to secure a parliamentary majority, the country seems to be barreling toward its third election in under 12 months.