In the wake of several new allegations of corruption against the prime minister, more than 1,500 demonstrators gather for the 66th week in a row to protest government corruption and call on Netanyahu to step aside.
Some 1,500 demonstrators gathered Saturday evening in Tel Aviv against government corruption, chanting in support of Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh, who came under fire recently for claiming that “powerful” elements hired private investigators against police officers investigating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Protesters were heard calling Alsheikh “a dear” and accusing Netanyahu of operating against Israel’s interests.
Opposite them were several dozen Netanyahu supporters with signs: “Bibi, the people have chosen you,” reffering to the premier by his nickname.
The anti-corruption protesters carried signs saying: “Bibi, you are not above the law,” “love Israel, separate from Netanyahu,” and “corrupt go home.” They shouted: “A mafia country and a corrupt prime minister.”
Eldad Yaniv, who lead the demonstration in Tel Aviv, reminded participants that this is the 66th week in a row the demonstration is held, and added that—even though it’s been so long and they fought so hard—”It’s not over yet.”
“There will be a bitter and difficult battle, and it will not go easily,” he stressed. “But we will not give up. We are heading toward difficult weeks as the investigation intensifies against (Netanyahu).”
Another demonstration—led by former Prime Minister’s Residence superintendent Meni Naftali—took place at Goren Square in Petah Tikva, near the residence of the Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, and was attended by about 100 people.
They marched around the square, protesting Mandelblit’s conduct and what they called “foot dragging” in the cases against Netanyahu.
Carmi Gillon, former head of the Shin Bet security service, gave a speech at the rally, called for Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (Kulanu) to work with members of the Likud to replace Netanyahu in order to keep the coalition intact.
“I understand your desire to continue serving as Minister of Finance until the end of your term,” he said, going on to lament on how this very desire made him “give up” his integrity.
“The whole mess is centered on one person—Bibi. There is no problem with the Likud. Contact your Likud colleagues—(and together) choose another prime minister to replace Bibi and the coalition will survive until the end of its term.
“You have the key to save the Jewish people from Bibi’s punishment and restore sanity to our lives. Do it and be forever recorded on the pages of history Do not, and forever remain but a picture on the wall in the corridor of the Minister of Finance’s office.”
Gillon then went on to directly lambaste the prime minister, calling on him to resign effective immediately.
“Three years ago, in another demonstration in front of your home, long before the affairs (you are embroiled in) were revealed. I called you ‘egomaniac’ and was promptly attacked from all sides that I dare call a prime minister that,” he recounted.
“Well Bibi, you proved to anyone reasonable enough to see it that you were and remained an egomaniac that sacrifices the security of the state on the altar of your ego.
“The history that is so important to you will not forgive you for it.”
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Giora Inbar, who served as commander of the IDF’s Lebanon Division, the Givati Brigade and the elite Shaldag Unit and devoted 30 years of his life to the IDF, also took to the podium to castigate Netanyahu, his associates and his supporters in the government.
He called the war on corruption “a different kind of war, foreign and painful,” one that is against a “corrupt leadership, which in turn undermines the values of integrity, justice and human dignity.”
“Prime Minister Netanyahu is suspected in unprecedented corruption cases, surrounded by an obedient group of hedonistic and cowardly ministers and elected officials,” he chastised.
He then went on to visioucly attack Netanyahu supporters within his party, claiming they lie and sow fear within the public to protect the prime minister.
“(Coalition chairman David) Amsalem hurls obscenities at witnesses and speaks in gutter language against law-abiding citizens and dedicated investigators. (Minister Miri) Regev, (MK Miki) Zohar, (MK Yoav) Kish and (MK Yaron) Mazuz are insulting us citizens and continue to sow discord and frighten the Israeli public away from the truth,” he said, calling on the Israeli public to remain silent no more.
“Citizens of the State on the Right, Center and Left, religious and secular, rih and poor, Jews and Arabs—we deserve a decent and honest leader,” he concluded.
As reported by Ynetnews