Arrests and clashes follow anti-Netanyahu protests in Israel

Police said Sunday y arrested more than a dozen Israelis in country-wide protests previous night that drew thousands of people in a growing and persistent show of force against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his handling of coronavirus crisis. Thousands of people demonstrated outside Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem and hundreds gared in a seaside park in Tel Aviv, demanding Netanyahu's resignation and slamming his response to crisis. 

For first time since wave of protests began weeks ago, hundreds also assembled outside Netanyahu's private home in upscale coastal town of Caesarea, where heavy security greeted m. Demonstrators across bridges and intersections waved black flags, symbol of one of movements behind protests that is demanding Netanyahu's ouster.

protests are emerging as among biggest challenges to Netanyahu's lengthy rule since demonstrations over cost of living in 2011 drew hundreds of thousands to streets. y come following what critics say is Netanyahu's fumbling of coronavirus response and in shadow of Netanyahu's corruption trial, which resumed earlier this month.

At a press conference last week that coincided with protests, Netanyahu addressed surging protests, warning demonstrators: “Do t drag country into anarchy, violence, vandalism.” Critics say police have been heavy-handed in trying to clear out protests, using water canns to drive m out and in some cases causing injury. Police say that protesters who igre calls to disperse are removed to restore order.

Police fired water canns on protesters at Jerusalem protest and said 12 people were arrested re for being involved in disturbances. Two or people were arrested in separate locations for attacking protesters with pepper spray and a knife.

Israel appeared to have contained its first wave of coronavirus infections in spring, with Netanyahu boasting that Israel was among most successful countries in world in its response with virus. But what critics say was a hasty and ill thought out reopening sent new cases soaring, with Israel w claiming one of world's highest infection rates, adjusted for population. government, formed with intention of focusing on combating virus, has moved slowly and haltingly to contain new outburst.

Israel has since reimposed some restrictions after an extended lockdown in spring paralyzed its ecomy. Unemployment has since jumped to more than 20%, from around 3.9% before outbreak, and anger has grown over government's financial assistance plans, which have been chided for providing those in need with a pittance or thing at all.

crisis has brought public confidence in Netanyahu and his government to a nadir, at a time when Israeli leader could use support. A court decided earlier this month that Netanyahu's corruption trial will resume in January with three hearings a week, a pace that will keep his legal woes firmly in public consciousness and raise questions about his ability to simultaneously govern and fend off accusations against him.

Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals involving billionaire associates and media moguls. He denies wrongdoing and accuses media, judiciary and law enforcement ncies of a conspiracy to topple him against will of people.