Israeli protesters demand Netanyahu resign

Protesters sprawled over Tel Aviv and waved banners demanding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign amid corruption charges.

US media reported that Israeli Prime minister last week became the first sitting head of government in Israel’s history to be indicted with fraud, bribery and breach of trust.

Protesters at the rally, organized by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, held banners describing Netanyahu as a “corrupt” leader and calling for a “strong Israel, strong democracy.”

Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing and dismissed the charges against him as part of “an attempted coup.” He is not required to step down unless he is convicted, but the charges against him have thrown Israeli politics into turmoil and opened up divisions in the country.

Israel is in the midst of a crisis after two parliamentary elections this year ended in political deadlock. Voters will have to head to the polls for a third time if no government is formed before a December 11 deadline.

Netanyahu is also facing a leadership challenge from a fellow member of his own conservative right-wing Likud party, former Education Minister Gideon Saar.