Israeli Police arrest 12 protesters during anti-government rally

The Israeli police have arrested at least 12 people among the demonstrators protesting against the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

The police also used water cannon in Jerusalem, outside the Prime Minister’s official residence, to disperse other furious demonstrators.

The protest, which was held on Saturday July 25, 2020, was against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s disposition during the coronavirus pandemic.

The demonstration, which has been going on for some weeks, was also fuelled by Corruption charges against Netanyahu.

Several of the protesters were seen with placards reading different messages.

“Bibi, go home,” read one sign held by a protester.

Other placards said “We are fed up with the corrupt”, and “Where are the morals? Where are the values?”

Protesters blew horns, beat drums and chanted slogans, including “One million unemployed,” “Bibi resign,” “Crime Minister,” “Shame,” and “Bloated, corrupt cabinet, we are sick of you”.

They also slammed a law passed this week that gives the government special powers, under the banner of fighting COVID-19, until the end of 2021.

According to Police Spokesman, Micky Rosenfeld, police handed out face masks before they called on the largest crowd in Jerusalem to go home over police-van loudspeakers several hours later.

They carried away some protesters who sat on sidewalks and refused calls to disperse in a show of civil disobedience.

“Police will allow demonstrations. However, will not allow disturbances of the order,” Rosenfeld said.