Israelis maintain social distancing while protesting coronavirus measures

By: Elizabeth R.

Thousands of Israelis practiced social distancing Sunday while protesting against what they see as anti-democratic measures in the country under the coronavirus-era government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The demonstrators could be seen holding signs and wearing masks as they stood six feet apart in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square to obey the measures taken during the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 2,000 protesters involved in the “Black Flag” movement rallied against the strict police measures aimed to combat the virus — including phone tracking for civilians — that were implemented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported Haaretz.

Police required the “Black Flag” organizers to mark spots on the ground for the protesters to stand and maintain physical distance from each other.

Demonstrations are allowed under Israel’s coronavirus restrictions, as long as participants stand two meters apart and wear masks.

Several thousand more people participated in virtual versions of the rally on Facebook and Zoom, due to coronavirus fears.

The “Black Flag” protests gained traction in March, when hundreds of people in cars drove to Jerusalem to protest anti-democratic measures taken to combat fight the virus passed by Netanyahu.

“It started with the coronavirus, when they [the government] started passing anti-democratic bills,” said Tamir Hefetz, one of the protest organizers said to Haaretz. “I woke up and realized there is no alternative, tomorrow will be too late.”

The protesters also warned against talks between Netanyahu and his formal rival Benny Gantz — the two are in the process of trying to form a collation government that would end a year of political deadlock after three inconclusive elections.

Waving black flags and holding banners that “Save the Democracy,” protesters called on Gantz’s Blue and White party not to join in a coalition led by Netanyahu—who is under criminal indictment for three corruption cases.

Netanyahu eased lockdown restrictions over the weekend as unemployment soared over 26 percent.

Israel has reported more than 13,000 coronavirus cases and 172 people have died.