A sculpture of Benjamin Netanyahu on a giant cake depicting him in the Last Supper has irked the Israeli Prime Minister. He said that the artwork was equivalent to a death threat.&nbsp;

The cake was made after series of protests have rocked the country for weeks urging Netanyahu to resign. These protests took place due to Netanyahu's botched up coronavirus response, ongoing corruption trial and allegations of an undemocratic power grab to remain in high office.

Coronavirus has triggered the country's unemployment to 21 per cent.&nbsp;

The life-sized artwork includes pink champagne and cigars in connection to one of the three corruption allegations where the Prime Minister allegedly received luxury gifts from two wealthy businessmen.&nbsp;

The artwork inspired by 15th-century Leonardo da Vinci mural, depicts Netanyahu alone at a 10-metre long table, surrounded by candles and a medieval feast of fruits and pastries.

On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the art-work and called the mural, that depicts Jesus' final meal before he was killed, an equivalent of a death threat.&nbsp;

“There is no room for incitement and threats of murder – explicit and implicit – against me and my family, including the shameful threat of crucifixion today in Tel Aviv,” he said on Twitter.

But artwork creator, Itay Zalait, said that the fake banquet was instead meant to symbolise the last supper for democratic freedoms for Israelis.

A sculpture of Benjamin Netanyahu on a giant cake depicting him in the Last Supper has irked the Israeli Prime Minister. He said that the artwork was equivalent to a death threat.

A sculpture of Benjamin Netanyahu on a giant cake depicting him in the Last Supper has irked the Israeli Prime Minister. He said that the artwork was equivalent to a death threat. The cake was made after series of protests have rocked the country for weeks urging Netanyahu to resign. These protests took place due to Netanyahu's botched up coronavirus response, ongoing corruption trial and allegations of an undemocratic power grab to remain in high office. Coronavirus has triggered the country's unemployment to 21 per cent. The life-sized artwork includes pink champagne and cigars in connection to one of the three corruption allegations where the Prime Minister allegedly received luxury gifts from two wealthy businessmen. The artwork inspired by 15th-century Leonardo da Vinci mural, depicts Netanyahu alone at a 10-metre long table, surrounded by candles and a medieval feast of fruits and pastries. On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the art-work and called the mural, that depicts Jesus' final meal before he was killed, an equivalent of a death threat. “There is no room for incitement and threats of murder – explicit and implicit – against me and my family, including the shameful threat of crucifixion today in Tel Aviv,” he said on Twitter. But artwork creator, Itay Zalait, said that the fake banquet was instead meant to symbolise the last supper for democratic freedoms for Israelis.

Benjamin Netanyahu irked by Last Supper sculpture; calls it 'equivalent to death threat'

Demonstrations continue to rage in Israel after thousands more gather to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Saturday. These demonstrators gathered outside Israeli PM's residence.&nbsp;

In pics:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-protests-soar-over-governments-inadequate-coronavirus-response-and-corruption-315104#crime-minister-315097">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-protests-soar-over-governments-inadequate-coronavirus-response-and-corruption-315104#crime-minister-315097">Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption</a>

These protests have been on for a few weeks now and target Netanyahu's government for its failure to handle the coronavirus crisis. Corruption charges against Netanyahu have added more fuel to these protests.&nbsp;

Many demonstrators held placards to criticise the Prime Minister. “Bibi, go home,” read one sign held by a protester. Another placard read “Everyone can see that the emperor has lost his clothes.”

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Wearing protective masks, the demonstrators marched from Netanyahu's official residence to Israel's parliament, holding up signs that read "Crime Minister" and calling on the five-term premier to step down.

Last week, Israel police used water cannons to disperse the crowd in Jerusalem. Israel is reporting an average of 2,000 coronavirus cases daily.&nbsp;

The pandemic has battered the country's economy after the unemployment rate shot to nearly 20 per cent.&nbsp;

In an apparent bid to quell public anger, Netanyahu this week announced plans to send cash to all Israelis -- a measure criticised by some experts who said the economy needed targeted assistance, not a nationwide payout. &nbsp;

Demonstrations continue to rage in Israel after thousands more gather to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Saturday. These demonstrators gathered outside Israeli PM's residence.

Demonstrations continue to rage in Israel after thousands more gather to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Saturday. These demonstrators gathered outside Israeli PM's residence. In pics: Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption These protests have been on for a few weeks now and target Netanyahu's government for its failure to handle the coronavirus crisis. Corruption charges against Netanyahu have added more fuel to these protests. Many demonstrators held placards to criticise the Prime Minister. “Bibi, go home,” read one sign held by a protester. Another placard read “Everyone can see that the emperor has lost his clothes.” × Wearing protective masks, the demonstrators marched from Netanyahu's official residence to Israel's parliament, holding up signs that read "Crime Minister" and calling on the five-term premier to step down. Last week, Israel police used water cannons to disperse the crowd in Jerusalem. Israel is reporting an average of 2,000 coronavirus cases daily. The pandemic has battered the country's economy after the unemployment rate shot to nearly 20 per cent. In an apparent bid to quell public anger, Netanyahu this week announced plans to send cash to all Israelis -- a measure criticised by some experts who said the economy needed targeted assistance, not a nationwide payout.

Israelis continue to protest against government's response to coronavirus crisis

Israel: Another night of violent protests in Jerusalem

An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the government's handling of the pandemic.

NanoScent, the firm making the test kits, said an extensive trial in Israel for the presence of live virus delivered results with 85 percent accuracy, and the product could receive regulatory approval within months.

The firm has been operating for several years, specialising in rapid recognition technology, including for medical purposes.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-protests-soar-over-governments-inadequate-coronavirus-response-and-corruption-315104">Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption</a>

According to Oren Gavriely, the company's Chief executive officer, the breathalyser would not replace lab tests, but was a mass screening tool that could help people gain "the confidence to go back and act as normal".

Gavriely said that while visiting the United States in January, he sensed his firm's expertise may be needed to help confront the novel virus circulating in Asia that appeared to be spreading to the West.

"We said we'll invest one week into it and see what's happening, and this one week never stopped," he said.

The test begins with a few short questions about COVID-19 exposure and symptoms, displayed on the phone of the person administering the procedure.

Test subjects then inhale through the nose, hold their breath, close one nostril and exhale through the other, pushing breath through a handheld tube into a small bag called the "Air Trap".

The tube is then plugged into the "Scent Reader", a small rectangular device that whirrs softly as it sucks the air out of the bag. Within seconds the results appear on the phone.

Researchers at NanoScent's headquarters in northern Israel are refining the virus recognition technology, which relies on "odours and the pattern of odours", Gavriely said.&nbsp;

After analysing the breath of roughly 1,000 Israeli COVID-19 patients, the firm was able to identify detectable smells associated with the virus, the chief executive added.

The country of nine million people has been recording more than 1,000 new cases per day in recent weeks, forcing new restrictions and public anger over the purportedly mismanaged re-opening.

An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the government's handling of the pandemic.

An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the government's handling of the pandemic. NanoScent, the firm making the test kits, said an extensive trial in Israel for the presence of live virus delivered results with 85 percent accuracy, and the product could receive regulatory approval within months. The firm has been operating for several years, specialising in rapid recognition technology, including for medical purposes. Also see| Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption According to Oren Gavriely, the company's Chief executive officer, the breathalyser would not replace lab tests, but was a mass screening tool that could help people gain "the confidence to go back and act as normal". Gavriely said that while visiting the United States in January, he sensed his firm's expertise may be needed to help confront the novel virus circulating in Asia that appeared to be spreading to the West. "We said we'll invest one week into it and see what's happening, and this one week never stopped," he said. The test begins with a few short questions about COVID-19 exposure and symptoms, displayed on the phone of the person administering the procedure. Test subjects then inhale through the nose, hold their breath, close one nostril and exhale through the other, pushing breath through a handheld tube into a small bag called the "Air Trap". The tube is then plugged into the "Scent Reader", a small rectangular device that whirrs softly as it sucks the air out of the bag. Within seconds the results appear on the phone. Researchers at NanoScent's headquarters in northern Israel are refining the virus recognition technology, which relies on "odours and the pattern of odours", Gavriely said. After analysing the breath of roughly 1,000 Israeli COVID-19 patients, the firm was able to identify detectable smells associated with the virus, the chief executive added. The country of nine million people has been recording more than 1,000 new cases per day in recent weeks, forcing new restrictions and public anger over the purportedly mismanaged re-opening.

Israeli firm developing 'front line' 30-second COVID-19 breath test

Israeli police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence on Saturday as protests mounted against him over alleged corruption and his handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli police fire water cannons to disperse anti-government protesters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's graft trial resumed on Sunday (July 19) after a two-month break amid mounting protests over his alleged corruption and handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumes

Israelis protest against Netanyahu's handling of COVID-19 crisis

Israeli police fired water cannons to disperse anti-government protests attended by thousands on Saturday, as public anger mounts over the handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Demonstrators gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem and at a park in Tel Aviv, voicing frustration over the government's response to a growing epidemic that has taken a devastating economic toll.&nbsp;

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said officers had allowed demonstrations to take place but took action against unauthorised "disturbances," including road blockages.&nbsp;

Rosenfeld said protesters in Tel Aviv sprayed pepper spray at police, leading to multiple arrests

With Israel recording more than 1,000 new coronavirus infections a day in recent weeks, the government on Friday announced a broad range of new restrictions.&nbsp;

Shops, markets and other public venues have closed on weekends, while restaurants have been restricted to take away and delivery.&nbsp;

Netanyahu has admitted he reopened the economy too soon through late April and early May, when Israel, a country of about 9 million people, had reduced its daily caseload to a trickle.

In an apparent bid to quell public anger, Netanyahu this week announced plans to send cash to all Israelis -- a measure criticised by some experts who said the economy needed targeted assistance, not a nationwide payout. &nbsp;

While some protesters voiced frustration over the reimposed restrictions, others have blasted the government for failing to improve testing capacity ahead of the second transmission wave.

According to a July 12 poll by the Israel Democracy Institute think tank, only 29.5 percent of the public supported Netanyahu's coronavirus management.

That figure was 57.5 percent at the beginning of April.&nbsp;

Beyond the pandemic, some protesters demanded Netanyahu's resignation over corruption charges filed against the veteran right-wing premier.&nbsp;

Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, but has been indicted for accepting improper gifts and seeking to trade favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.&nbsp;

The trial continues in Jerusalem on Sunday, although Netanyahu is not expected to appear in court.&nbsp;

Israeli police fired water cannons to disperse anti-government protests attended by thousands on Saturday, as public anger mounts over the handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli police fired water cannons to disperse anti-government protests attended by thousands on Saturday, as public anger mounts over the handling of the coronavirus crisis. Demonstrators gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem and at a park in Tel Aviv, voicing frustration over the government's response to a growing epidemic that has taken a devastating economic toll. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said officers had allowed demonstrations to take place but took action against unauthorised "disturbances," including road blockages. Rosenfeld said protesters in Tel Aviv sprayed pepper spray at police, leading to multiple arrests With Israel recording more than 1,000 new coronavirus infections a day in recent weeks, the government on Friday announced a broad range of new restrictions. Shops, markets and other public venues have closed on weekends, while restaurants have been restricted to take away and delivery. Netanyahu has admitted he reopened the economy too soon through late April and early May, when Israel, a country of about 9 million people, had reduced its daily caseload to a trickle. In an apparent bid to quell public anger, Netanyahu this week announced plans to send cash to all Israelis -- a measure criticised by some experts who said the economy needed targeted assistance, not a nationwide payout. While some protesters voiced frustration over the reimposed restrictions, others have blasted the government for failing to improve testing capacity ahead of the second transmission wave. According to a July 12 poll by the Israel Democracy Institute think tank, only 29.5 percent of the public supported Netanyahu's coronavirus management. That figure was 57.5 percent at the beginning of April. Beyond the pandemic, some protesters demanded Netanyahu's resignation over corruption charges filed against the veteran right-wing premier. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, but has been indicted for accepting improper gifts and seeking to trade favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. The trial continues in Jerusalem on Sunday, although Netanyahu is not expected to appear in court.

Israeli police fire water cannons to disperse anti-govt protests

Around 50 protesters were arrested Tuesday night following clashes with police at a thousands-strong rally in Jerusalem (Israel) demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resign

Israel Protests: Demonstrators unhappy with Netanyahu's economic policies

Thousands of Israelis took to streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to extend sovereignty over parts of the occupied West Bank, de-facto annexation of land that the Palestinians seek for a state.

Israelis protest against annexation of West Bank

Thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv to protest the unity government that kept Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power even as he gets ready to go to trial on corruption charges

Israel: Anti-unity government protests in Tel Aviv

Thousands of demonstrators wearing masks and following social distancing measures hit streets in Israel on Saturday to protest the coming together of rivals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz to form the government.&nbsp;

The protesters, who gathered in coastal city of Tel Aviv denounced Netanyahu-Gantz's deal, calling it Netanyahu's manoeuvering as he is facing corruption charges. &nbsp;

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About 2,000 demonstrators participated in the protest, according to Israeli media.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-200000-mark-294801">Global coronavirus death toll crosses 200,000 mark</a>

Chants against "corruption" and for "safeguarding democracy" were raised by the protesters who were following social distancing rules and wearing face masks to avoid the spread of novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

Protesters said that Netanyahu is threatening democracy and several amongst them waved black flags with some holding placards that said: "The people against the government."

As per the deal agreed upon by both the leaders, Netanyahu will serve as the prime minister for the first half of a three-year-term, and Gantz will then take over the premiership from him in October next year.

Gantz, ex-General, will serve as defence minister during Netanyahu's term and the next elections would be held 18 months later.&nbsp;

The deal came after both Netanyahu and Gantz failed to get a complete majority in spite of three general elections and would end a 16-month deadlock.&nbsp;

Earlier, Netanyahu in January became the first Israel prime minister to be indicted following charges of bribery, fraud, among others.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's trial was supposed to be open in March but postponed until May 24.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Thousands of demonstrators wearing masks and following social distancing measures hit streets in Israel on Saturday to protest the coming together of rivals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz to form the government.

Thousands of demonstrators wearing masks and following social distancing measures hit streets in Israel on Saturday to protest the coming together of rivals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz to form the government. The protesters, who gathered in coastal city of Tel Aviv denounced Netanyahu-Gantz's deal, calling it Netanyahu's manoeuvering as he is facing corruption charges. Israel protests: Unity government faces backlash More details inside! #Israel pic.twitter.com/MZNUQ8ZRq6 — WION (@WIONews) April 26, 2020 × About 2,000 demonstrators participated in the protest, according to Israeli media. Also read | Global coronavirus death toll crosses 200,000 mark Chants against "corruption" and for "safeguarding democracy" were raised by the protesters who were following social distancing rules and wearing face masks to avoid the spread of novel coronavirus. Protesters said that Netanyahu is threatening democracy and several amongst them waved black flags with some holding placards that said: "The people against the government." As per the deal agreed upon by both the leaders, Netanyahu will serve as the prime minister for the first half of a three-year-term, and Gantz will then take over the premiership from him in October next year. Gantz, ex-General, will serve as defence minister during Netanyahu's term and the next elections would be held 18 months later. The deal came after both Netanyahu and Gantz failed to get a complete majority in spite of three general elections and would end a 16-month deadlock. Earlier, Netanyahu in January became the first Israel prime minister to be indicted following charges of bribery, fraud, among others. Netanyahu's trial was supposed to be open in March but postponed until May 24.

With face masks, thousands protest in Israel against Netanyahu-Gantz government

Palestine: 1 killed in Israeli firing ahead of protests

Israeli demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv on Friday to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign after police recommended he be charged with bribery in two corruption cases.

Police said on Tuesday enough evidence had been found for Netanyahu to be charged, saddling the four-term premier with one of the biggest challenges to his long dominance of Israeli politics.

Netanyahu, 68, denies wrongdoing in both cases and has said nothing will come of the police investigations. It is now up to the attorney general to determine whether to press charges against him.

Around 1,000-2,000 protesters rallied in a Tel Aviv square, some with signs saying &quot;crooks go home&quot; and &quot;crime minister&quot;.

&quot;We think the prime minister should immediately disqualify himself and resign,&quot; said Shlomit Bar, 63, a retired music teacher. &quot;He cannot be any longer the prime minister of Israel.&quot;

There is no strict legal obligation for a prime minister to step down over such a case unless he is convicted in court. The right-wing Netanyahu&#39;s governing coalition appears stable for the time being after key partners said they will wait until the attorney general&#39;s decision.

&quot;From a moral standpoint, this is a disgrace to the state of Israel, where a prime minister is suspected of such serious crimes,&quot; said Oren Simon, one of the protesters. &quot;He should go home. Enough.&quot;

A poll published on Wednesday showed almost half of Israel&#39;s electorate believe the police rather than Netanyahu.

The poll, aired on the Israeli commercial television channel Reshet, said 49 percent of respondents sided with the police&#39;s version that Netanyahu had acted improperly. Twenty-five percent said they believed Netanyahu. The remainder, 26 percent, said they did not know whom to believe.

Forty-nine percent said he should stay in office, and 43 percent that he should suspend himself.

The first case in which Netanyahu is a suspect involves receiving gifts, including cigars, champagne and jewellery, from businessmen. The second involves discussing a deal with the publisher of Israel&#39;s best-selling newspaper for better coverage in return for curbs on a rival newspaper.

Police said on Tuesday enough evidence had been found for Netanyahu to be charged, saddling the four-term premier with one of the biggest challenges to his long dominance of Israeli politics

Israeli demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv on Friday to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign after police recommended he be charged with bribery in two corruption cases. Police said on Tuesday enough evidence had been found for Netanyahu to be charged, saddling the four-term premier with one of the biggest challenges to his long dominance of Israeli politics. Netanyahu, 68, denies wrongdoing in both cases and has said nothing will come of the police investigations. It is now up to the attorney general to determine whether to press charges against him. Around 1,000-2,000 protesters rallied in a Tel Aviv square, some with signs saying "crooks go home" and "crime minister". "We think the prime minister should immediately disqualify himself and resign," said Shlomit Bar, 63, a retired music teacher. "He cannot be any longer the prime minister of Israel." There is no strict legal obligation for a prime minister to step down over such a case unless he is convicted in court. The right-wing Netanyahu's governing coalition appears stable for the time being after key partners said they will wait until the attorney general's decision. "From a moral standpoint, this is a disgrace to the state of Israel, where a prime minister is suspected of such serious crimes," said Oren Simon, one of the protesters. "He should go home. Enough." A poll published on Wednesday showed almost half of Israel's electorate believe the police rather than Netanyahu. The poll, aired on the Israeli commercial television channel Reshet, said 49 percent of respondents sided with the police's version that Netanyahu had acted improperly. Twenty-five percent said they believed Netanyahu. The remainder, 26 percent, said they did not know whom to believe. Forty-nine percent said he should stay in office, and 43 percent that he should suspend himself. The first case in which Netanyahu is a suspect involves receiving gifts, including cigars, champagne and jewellery, from businessmen. The second involves discussing a deal with the publisher of Israel's best-selling newspaper for better coverage in return for curbs on a rival newspaper.

Israeli protesters urge Netanyahu to step down over bribery allegations

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Benjamin Netanyahu irked by Last Supper sculpture; calls it 'equivalent to death threat'

Israelis continue to protest against government's response to coronavirus crisis

Israel: Another night of violent protests in Jerusalem

Israeli firm developing 'front line' 30-second COVID-19 breath test

Israeli police fire water cannons to disperse anti-government protesters

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumes

Israelis protest against Netanyahu's handling of COVID-19 crisis

Israeli police fire water cannons to disperse anti-govt protests

Israel Protests: Demonstrators unhappy with Netanyahu's economic policies

Israelis protest against annexation of West Bank

Israelis protest against annexation of West Bank

Israel: Anti-unity government protests in Tel Aviv

With face masks, thousands protest in Israel against Netanyahu-Gantz government

Palestine: 1 killed in Israeli firing ahead of protests

Israeli protesters urge Netanyahu to step down over bribery allegations