
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.
About 2,000 demonstrators participated in the protest, according to Israeli media.
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.