Demonstration against Netanyahu in times of coronavirus: masks and social distance

The mobilizations continue, despite the pandemic, in Israel, where 2,000 people – separated from each other by two meters apart – protested in Tel Aviv against corruption and anti-democratic measures that, they allege, the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu adopted to contain COVID -19.

The protesters – all dressed in masks – protested in long lines and with a safe distance of separation to prevent infections, which extended their presence through the central Isaac Rabin Square in an event where they showed their opposition to the acting prime minister, who negotiates the formation of a unitary Executive with the centrist Beny Gantz.

“This is how democracies die in the 21st century,” declared opposition deputy Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, which split from Gantz’s for supporting Netanyahu, and explained that current democratic systems “do not die because of tanks against Parliament, but die from within. “

Lapid, who according to the Haaretz newspaper intervened in the protest along with other politicians, has been one of the most critical voices against Bibi (Netanyahu) in recent weeks.

The chief executive – accused in three corruption cases for which he must go to trial on May 24 – seeks to remain in power through a pact with Gantz, until recently his rival.

Netanyahu negotiation


His parties have been negotiating for weeks the formation of a Cabinet of unity and emergency in the face of the coronavirus, with rotation in the head of government, which Netanyahu would start heading a year and a half.

The protesters see this possibility as a danger to the democratic bases of the country because of the accusations to Netanyahu and the risk that he will use his power to shield himself.

Today’s protest was called by the Black Flag movement, a group that emerged recently that since the beginning of March has held several demonstrations, one of them to oppose the use of advanced technology to track the mobile phones of possible infected and those who tested positive. by COVID-19.

The pandemic, which has had a moderate impact on Israel compared to other countries – to date it has registered 172 deaths and more than 13,000 infected – almost completely stopped the daily and economic life of the country.

Despite the strong mobility restrictions imposed – part of which began to be lifted today – protests in public space have not been banned, as long as they respect the rules of distancing and risk prevention.