Demonstrators are calling for new elections to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. They’ve camped out in front of the Knesset. Protests in Israel are not new, but what is new are the people who’ve joined ranks in this demonstration. The World’s host, Marco Werman, and reporter Matthew Bell are in Jerusalem.
The news of a proposed $10.4 billion deal for the US to sell up to 50 F-35 fighter jets to the UAE has raised questions among Israeli defense officials, who warn that it could have negative effects for Israel.
Under new measures against the coronavirus, the Israeli government has banned protesters from holding demonstrations more than 1 kilometer (about a half-mile) from their homes. In response, some activists have turned to WhatsApp, Facebook and an interactive map to find protest sites near them.
Former US ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, spoke with Marco Werman about the US’ decision to recognize Israeli settlements in the West Bank as legal. He explains the ramifications this decision could have for peace in the region.
Over the summer, Ethiopian Israelis held protests in several cities after a police officer shot and killed an Ethiopian teenager. Protesters said they were upset about police brutality, discrimination and racism. Those issues were still on the minds of two Ethiopian candidates for the Knesset in the run-up to last month’s election in Israel.