Anti-Netanyahu rallies in Israel work around virus restriction rules

Opponents of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu protested once more on Saturday despite rules set out to ban gatherings in view of rising coronavirus infections.

Media reported thousands of people across Israel demonstrated along streets, at crossroads or on bridges, sidestepping health restrictions that limit protest groups to 20 people within a 1-kilometre radius of their homes.

Netanyahu pushed through the restrictions last month in the framework of a nationwide lockdown to stem a spike in coronavirus infections. His critics have slammed the move as anti-democratic.

In the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, demonstrators met on Saturday evening at the central Habima Square and marched through the city.

The Black Flags movement, which had called for the protests, said demonstrations were scheduled in 1,200 locations across the country.

According to them, it was the 16th consecutive Saturday on which demonstrations were staged against the premier. Similar protests are also taking place on other weekdays.

They demand that Netanyahu step down until he proves his innocence in a corruption trial that started against him in May.

Saturday's protests coincided with Simchat Torah, the last of several Jewish holidays during which authorities fear anti-virus restrictions were equally ignored.

The massive restrictions on public life in the wake of the lockdown were imposed because of a sharp rise in the number of infections, which last week reached a recurring daily high of 9,000.