‘Israeli’ Police Arrest Four Protesters Following New Coronavirus Lockdown Law

By Staff, Agencies

‘Israeli’ settlers have taken to streets in Tel Aviv to express their anger at a controversial law that limits protests during the coronavirus-related lockdown, a measure widely believed to be aimed at taking advantage of the health crisis and heading off mass demonstrations against scandal-hit Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Four protesters were arrested by police after the rally, which was held in Tel Aviv on Wednesday night, descended into skirmishes.

Police claimed that the protest led to “grave civil unrest,” and that the four were taken into custody on suspicion of rioting and attacking police officers.

However, the detainees’ solicitor, Attorney Daniel dismissed police charges against the detainees as “unfounded.”

Police also said the protesters had “attacked the officers, throwing objects and breaking through the police cordon, intending to block the road.”

The Netanyahu-backed legislation, which was approved early Wednesday after an all-night debate, will give the administration the power to ban people from holding demonstrations more than one kilometer from their homes, and limit outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 20 people.

The bill was ratified on second and third readings by a vote of 46-38.

Under the final version of the law, the ‘Israeli’ cabinet can curtail protests, prayers and religious ceremonies for a week under the so-called “special coronavirus emergency,” with the possibility of extending it another two weeks should the “emergency” remain in place.

Over the past weeks, the streets near Netanyahu’s residence have been the scene of large protests amid rising anger over the premier’s graft charges and what is viewed as his mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu said that this lockdown, originally set to end on October 10, would last “no less than a month, and maybe much more time than that.”

Meanwhile, Zionist Attorney General Avichai Mandeblit said he has not ruled out the possibility that Netanyahu may have to be suspended as premier if he seeks to use his prime ministerial authority to try to influence the criminal proceedings he is currently facing in court.

Mandelblit, who has previously stated that the prime minister does not have to step down, said the Netanyahu could, in theory, have to be suspended due to a conflict of interest.