Thousands of Israelis defy restrictions on the right to protest

Clashes erupted in Tel Aviv between opponents of restrictions on the right to demonstrate and the police on October 3, 2020. Ammar Awad / Reuters

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2 min

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across Israel on Saturday, October 3.

In this period of re-containment, a new law only authorizes demonstrations within a perimeter of one kilometer around the home, and in groups of up to 20 people.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,

Michel Paul

" 

Netanyahu you're fired, go home

 ," chant the protesters.

There are several hundred of them near the official residence of the head of the Israeli government on Balfour Street in Jerusalem.

They are more or less spaced and wear masks, as required by

the new health rules

, in this period of the Covid-19 pandemic and of re-containment.

"The situation is exaggerated"

While the city has so far hosted the biggest events, the atmosphere is calmer this Saturday.

Curiously, and unlike in previous weeks, the police are conspicuous by their absence.

Nora, a demonstrator, gives her explanations: “ 

I live here, 300 meters from the

Prime Minister's

residence

.

We are neighbors.

We organized a neighborhood WhatsApp group.

And these are the people who came to protest tonight.

Concerned citizens, for whom it is important to make their voice heard.

 "

In all, there were about a hundred demonstrations across the country.

For Idan, we must fight against the new directives which limit gatherings: “ 

I am for the respect of the laws.

But I believe the situation is exaggerated.

Things must change.

Laws that limit demonstrations are laws that undermine democracy.

 "

In Tel Aviv, the city's mayor, Ron Huldai, joined the protesters.

Police used force to disperse the rally and dozens of protesters were arrested.

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  • Israel

  • Benjamin Netanyahu

  • Coronavirus

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