Israeli artist takes aim at Bibi with life-size statue

● In recent weeks, people have taken to the streets, calling on Netanyahu to resign, angry over what they say is his bungled response to an economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus.

Tel Aviv, July 29: Residents of the city of Tel Aviv woke up Wednesday to a jarring site: a pop-up exhibit depicting a life-size statue of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoying a lavish meal by himself at a sprawling table in a mock re-enactment of the Last Supper. The installation, displayed in Tel Aviv’s central Rabin Square, is the latest twist in a summer of demonstrations against Netanyahu.

In recent weeks, people have taken to the streets, calling on Netanyahu to resign, angry over what they say is his bungled

response to an economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus and depicting him as a hedonist out of touch with people. Many critics accuse him of trampling over Israel’s democratic traditions as he clings to power while on trial for corruption charges and pushes for emergency powers under the guise of battling the Coronavirus crisis. In an interview earlier this week, artist Itay Zalait said the installation, made of polymer materials and painted in lively colours, is meant to symbolise the “last supper of the Israeli democracy”. The 10-metre long table is filled with juicy fruit, wads of cash, empty bottles of liquor and a cigar — a jab at the expensive gifts Netanyahu is accused of improperly accepting from wealthy associates.