Mass protests in Israel against immunity for the Prime Minister

(Patria) – Thousands of Israeli citizens took to the streets of the capital to protest against granting immunity to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The protests were organized by Israeli opposition parties to prevent a new law that would prevent Netanyahu from being tried for bribery and corruption, for which several cases have already been opened.

Although recently elected Prime Minister for a fifth term, Netanyahu could face justice due to reasonable suspicions of bribery and corruption, agencies report.

Benny Gantz, former chief of the Israeli army, who ran against the current prime minister in the recent elections, addressed the crowd gathered in front of the museum. The opposition leader stated that the 'dream of Israel is falling apart' under Netanyahu's leadership.

– They are trying to replace the rule of the people with the rule of one man, and to subordinate the entire nation to the interests of one man, Gantz told the crowd of demonstrators.

Before the elections, in February, Israel's Attorney General announced his intention to indict Benjamin Netanyahu for fraud and bribery based on suspicions that the prime minister received gifts from wealthy businessmen and did favors for positive publicity.

Prime Minister Netanyahu denies all allegations and claims to be the victim of a 'witch hunt' led by the left.

Opposition parties claim that Netanyahu cannot remain in the prime minister's office, a decision that will ultimately be made by the Supreme Court of Israel. However, the opposition fears that the prime minister will 'push through' a new law that limits the court's power.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet formed a new government, for which he has a deadline of May 29. If he fails to meet the deadline, the president has the right to ask another member of the Israeli legislative council to do so, the BBC reports.