Demonstrators swarm Tel Aviv to decry Netanyahu-Gantz ‘unity deal’ as affront to justice system (VIDEO)

Hundreds turned out in Tel Aviv to voice their outrage at a coalition deal agreed on by Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Benny Gantz, saying it might let the embattled prime minister, who faces a corruption trial, off the hook.

Around 2,000 protesters filled Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square on Saturday evening in the second such mass action against the ‘unity government’ in a week. Envisioned by the deal between Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party and Gantz’s centrist-liberal Blue and White that the two struck on Monday, the so-called unity government is set to bring an end to a year-long political impasse, brought on by two inconclusive elections.

The ‘Black Flag’ protesters accuse Netanyahu of trying to undermine the judiciary system by clinging to power while being indicted in three corruption cases. His trial is now set to kick off on May 24 – over two months later than its original date of March 17.

The demonstrators also criticized Gantz, whose support plummeted after the deal was signed, accusing him of giving Netanyahu too much sway over the Judicial Appointments Committee, which now has a right-wing majority.

The protesters, who wore masks and waved black flags and Israeli flags, sought to stand two meters apart from each other to adhere to the social distancing guidelines enforced under the coronavirus lockdown.

Saturday’s protest is similar to one held a week ago – the first of its kind at a time when global Covid-19 lockdowns overshadow other political issues and large public gatherings are outlawed in most of the world.

Although police eventually greenlit the rally, on Friday, Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan suggested limiting the number of demonstrators, expressing concern that the officers would not be able to enforce distancing rules.

The suggestion, however, was reportedly shot down by the Israeli attorney general.

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