Second 'Shame March' by Israelis Against Netanyahu

Israeli demonstrators held a 'Shame March' for the second consecutive week in protest against what they call the 'corrupt government' ruling their country. On Saturday evening, December 9, protesters chanted slogans such as 'This is our country, not Netanyahu's,' demanding the Prime Minister's ousting and a swift trial and imprisonment for him. According to Israeli media, demonstrations took place simultaneously in Tel Aviv and other cities, with this week's turnout reportedly larger than the previous Saturday night. In this context, the central streets of Tel Aviv, where the largest number of demonstrators gathered, were closed for several hours. Protesters and speakers at the rallies emphasized that the corruption cases against Benjamin Netanyahu should reach the indictment stage sooner, as they claim the Israeli Prime Minister has committed betrayal of trust by accepting bribes and misusing state property. Mr. Netanyahu has been interrogated six times by investigators from the anti-corruption unit of the police in two cases that have not yet reached the formal charge stage, including regarding the receipt of expensive gifts. He insists that he will remain in office and 'nothing will happen; because nothing has happened,' but protesters chanted on Saturday night that 'Netanyahu belongs in Ma'asiyahu (a prison)' and 'we will not give up until you surrender.' Protesters also demanded the repeal of a new law prohibiting the publication of investigation results from officials, which was recently approved in the first reading by supporters of Benjamin Netanyahu in the parliament. Last week, following the first demonstration known as the 'Shame March,' Mr. Netanyahu asked his supporters in parliament to refrain from certain actions benefiting him in his criminal cases and to exempt him from the law prohibiting the publication of police interrogation results of officials. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that David Bitan, Netanyahu's closest associate and head of the parliamentary faction of the coalition parties, was interrogated for the third time in recent days by the anti-corruption unit of the police on Sunday, December 10. Police interrogations of David Bitan took place twice last week, each lasting between 14 to 17 hours. His wife has also been removed from their home by police order due to large sums being deposited into their joint bank account, to prevent her from colluding with her husband to escape accusations. In this context, Israeli media published more details about the corruption allegations against David Bitan, which apparently motivated more Israelis to participate in protests against Netanyahu's government. According to media revelations, David Bitan is suspected of being involved in a wide-ranging gambling ring and collaborating with professional criminals since he was the deputy mayor of Rishon Lezion until recently. Media reports state that police-installed cameras in a pastry shop and a furniture store in this city could potentially serve as the basis for serious charges against David Bitan. According to these reports, gangs were paying off David Bitan's financial debts, and in return, he was considering advantages such as constructing properties for them. However, Mr. Bitan claims he is innocent of the allegations. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu remained silent regarding these protests and the ongoing interrogations of David Bitan at the beginning of his European trip. However, the Likud party, in a statement on its Facebook page, attributed the demonstrations to leftists and individuals like 'Meni Naftali.' Meni Naftali, a former army commando and logistics staff member at the Prime Minister's residence, had a dispute with Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife that ended up in court. According to Likud, while the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is a significant achievement for Netanyahu, and on the night the Prime Minister headed to Europe to defend Israel's national interests, all Israelis should support him rather than 'give opportunities to divisive elements.' In the last two decades of Israel's history, four Prime Ministers have been interrogated by the police on suspicion of corruption, but only Ehud Olmert was tried, convicted, and imprisoned.