Israeli protesters hold up a sign reading "Lock him up"
Photo: EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFPThousands of Israelis have demonstrated again across the country against the right-wing conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As the police announced on request on Saturday evening, more than 10,000 people gathered for protests in Jerusalem alone. In Tel Aviv, demonstrators blocked several streets near the central Rabin Square. In addition, people also protested on bridges over highways across the country.
People in Israel have been taking to the streets against Netanyahu for weeks. On the one hand, this is due to the corruption process in which the head of government has to answer - he is charged with fraud, embezzlement and bribery. Netanyahu is also criticized for his handling of the corona crisis. The 70-year-old admitted, among other things, premature easing. Unemployment in Israel was last at more than 20 percent.
The announcement that it would establish diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates did nothing to change the heated mood in the country.
Netanyahu had welcomed that the Emirates had lifted the boycott of his country. "This is an important step to promote prosperity and peace in the region," said Netanyahu on Saturday evening. Israel's Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi spoke of a "historic decision".
The Emirates are the third Arab country after Egypt and Jordan to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. The Emirates and Israel agreed on this in mid-August through the mediation of the USA. In return for the agreement, Israel wants to suspend the planned annexation of areas in the occupied West Bank, which the Palestinians claim for their own state.
Since the surprise announcement by both countries on August 13, normalization has progressed at a rapid pace. The first direct flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi is scheduled to start on Monday.
Icon: The mirrorpgo / dpa
