Israelis protest government handling of pandemic, as Netanyahu supporters hold counter protest

Jerusalem, Israel: Thousands of Israelis rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on Thursday, July 23 against his handling of the coronavirus crisis and alleged corruption.

Wearing protective masks, protesters held up signs that read "Crime Minister" and chanted for the five-term premier to step down. Reimposed coronavirus curbs after a spike in new COVID-19 cases have prompted Israelis demanding better state aid to take to the streets in almost daily demonstrations. Public anger has been also been fuelled by corruption alleged against Netanyahu, who went on trial in May for bribery, fraud and breach of trust - charges he denies.

Netanyahu has announced numerous economic aid packages. But frustrated by red tape and a slow pace, many Israelis say the aid is coming too little, too late. In his televised conference on Thursday evening, he called the protesters to not '"drag the country towards anarchy, violence and property damage or spread disease through terrible sanitary practices."

Pro Netanyahu supporters held a counter demonstration dancing and holding flags near the prime minister's residence. Israel lifted in May a partial lockdown that had flattened an infection curve. But a second surge of COVID-19 cases and ensuing restrictions has seen Netanyahu's approval ratings plunge to under 30% and employment soar to 21% Police did not provide a figure for the number of demonstrators. 

Israeli media said the protest drew thousands from across the country. With a population of 9 million, Israel has reported more than 57,453 coronavirus cases and 440 deaths.