Dozens demonstrated Wednesday morning in Jerusalem in front of Knesset against a bill that will allow the government to pass laws without bringing them for parliament vote first as part of the measures to rein in the spread of coronavirus.
Protesters blocked access roads to Knesset and some even tied themselves to fences in an attempt to prevent the legislation from going up for a vote later in the day. Police dispersed the crowd shortly after.
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Protesters blocking road to Knesset in Jerusalem to foil vote on bill allowing government to bypass Knesset
(Photo: Meital Lokof)
Thousands rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem Tuesday night as protests mounted against him over his handling of a worsening coronavirus crisis and alleged corruption.
Wearing protective masks, the demonstrators marched from Netanyahu's official residence to Knesset, holding up signs that read "Crime Minister" and calling on the premier to step down.
Towards midnight, demonstrators carrying drums and bullhorns began blocking off a road and were told by police to disperse. After failing to comply, officers began removing protesters from the scene by force after complaints from people living in the area.
Police reported that 34 protesters were arrested or called in for questioning after clashes with officers.
"A handful of protesters was there to disrupt the order, calling officers names and throwing a smoke grenade at them," a police statement read.
"Some of them also came with drums and bullhorns, disturbing the peace of residents in the area. We removed them after they refused to clear the traffic lane despite several requests."