Thousands protest against Netanyahu days before Israeli polls

Large crowds take to Jerusalem’s streets, three days before Israel holds fourth general election in less than two years.

Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just days before the country’s fourth general election in less than two years. Widespread protests have been taking place since July 2020, with people demanding Netanyahu’s departure over alleged corruption scandals and the government’s handling of the pandemic, including protracted lockdowns that battered the economy. Israeli daily Haaretz reported some 20,000 people rallied near the prime minister’s official residence in Jerusalem, in what was one of the largest rallies in recent months.