Protestors invoke Maccabee spirit on Hanukkah, call on Netanyahu to go
In Tel Aviv, protesters gathered outside of Habima Theatre and marked Hanukkah by lighting a large hanukkiah before embarking on what they called a "march of light."
By TOBIAS SIEGALUpdated: DECEMBER 13, 2020 00:04Protesters carry a massive balloon reaching 100 metres in length to mark the red line crossed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saturday, December 12, 2020. (Credit: Limor Melamed, Hasphira Leacho
The Black Flag movement on Saturday called on Defense Minister Benny Gantz to act swiftly in order to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as thousands of protesters gathered on bridges and intersection, and in front of Netanyahu's and Gantz's residences, celebrating Hanukkah and marking the 25 consecutive week of the anti-Netanyahu protests. Anti-Netanyahu protesters at Havatzelet Hasharon Junction, Saturday, December 12, 2020. (Credit: Black Flag movement)
"The situation is ripe for replacing Netanyahu. It's the duty of everyone who sees the endless damage being left behind by the defendant. The State of Israel needs a new prime minister, one who'll allow us to come out of this unmanaged coronavirus crisis, one who'll stop constantly dividing us.
"The idea of Gantz extending Netanyahu's reign is terrible, unbearable. We need a different prime minister - not more of the same endless failure," the Black Flag statement noted. Anti-Netanyahu protesters at Halacha Bridge, Tel Aviv, Saturday, December 12, 2020. (Credit: Black Flag movement)
The Black Flag movement held protests against Netanyahu for the 25th consecutive week on Saturday evening. They started on bridges and intersections throughout the country and continued in three main points: in front of Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem, his residence in Caesarea and in front of Gantz's home in Rosh Ha'ayin.
About a thousand protesters gathered in front of Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea, carrying a massive exhibition of a long red balloon reaching 100 meters in length and symbolizing the "red line" that they claim Netanyahu has crossed. Three protesters were arrested by midnight on December 12 for blocking traffic and disturbing the public.
"We've come to draw a red line and protest the continued deferral of Netanyahu's trial. We won't remain silent in face of of the failure and incitement," a protester said.
"For Hanukkah, we've come here to banish the darkness and strengthen the light. We won't get used to the fact that the person acting as prime minister is a defendant in three serious indictments. This situation is not normal and cannot be normalized," a statement by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel read.
Protesters in Tel Aviv lighted a hanukkiah for Hanukkah and held a "march of light," Saturday, December 12, 2020. (Credit: Sassoni Avshalom)
In Tel Aviv, protesters gathered outside of Habima Theatre and marked Hanukkah by lighting a large hanukkiah before embarking on what they called a "march of light."
Anti-Netanyahu protesters at Bilu Junction, Saturday, December 12, 2020. (Credit: Black Flag movement) Israel Police announced that in preparation to tonight's protests, it blocked several streets near the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Jerusalem, including Ben Maimon, Gaza, Agron, King George and Keren HaYesod streets, as well as Paris Square. Additional surrounding streets are expected to be blocked for movement as the night progresses. The police reminded protesters to maintain Health Ministry guidelines and wear a protective mask at all time, while keeping the required social distance for the sake of all participants. The police reminded protesters that it "will continue to allow all protests to take place, but will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt public order."Anti-Netanyahu protesters near Moshav Eliad, Saturday, December 12, 2020. (Credit: Black Flag movement)Crime Minister, another movement that has been leading the protests issued a statement, calling tonight's protest a "siege on Balfour." "Tonight, we will be holding a siege on Balfour yet again. These are fatal days for the country's future. The defendant is trying to avoid a round of elections that will lead to his downfall ... Bibi, as long as you hold Israel hostage, we'll be there. We'll come from every direction. We'll surround you until you leave!," Crime Minister's statement read. The movement called on the police to show restraint towards protesters.
