Demo targets bill that will stifle protests

Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated outside parliament on Tuesday against a government- backed bill likely to stifle protests near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home during the current coronavirus lockdown.

The proposed law, which the government said was aimed at curbing COVID-19 infections, bans Israelis from holding demonstrations more than one kilometre from their homes.

The measure, which critics said was really intended to block anti- Netanyahu protests, was approved by a parliamentary committee on Tuesday. It was expected to be ratified later in the day.

Protesters have gathered weekly outside Netanyahu’s official residence to demand his resignation over his handling of the health crisis, and alleged corruption.