From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Thousands attend pro-Netanyahu rally in Tel Aviv
Some 2,000 Israelis are attending a rally in support of Netanyahu in Tel Aviv amid developments in the ongoing corruption investigations against the prime minister.
Likud leaders are putting heavy pressure on party activists to attend the rally at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds to counter what they claim is a vicious campaign by leftist media and overzealous police and state prosecution.
As participants wait for the speakers to begin, Likud MKs, ministers and party activists cheer “Netanyahu is the king of Israel,” and “there will be nothing because there is nothing,” a phrase the prime minister has repeated in reference to the corruption allegations against him.
Other rally-goers are seen carrying signs reading, “we love Netanyahu” as well those decrying “fake news.”
Netanyahu along with Likud MK David Bitan are expected to deliver speeches at the rally. Singer David D’or will perform at the event.
Speaking to The Times of Israel, controversial MK Oren Hazan says that the rally is “to show support for Netanyahu and not to attack anyone specific, but we need to understand that there are serious problems with the state prosecution.”
Nice welcoming sign at the Likud pro-Netanyahu rally pic.twitter.com/V0TzEYWBZp
— Raoul Wootliff (@RaoulWootliff) August 9, 2017
Counter demonstrators are being held outside the fairgrounds.
Police suspect Netanyahu of being involved in bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Last week, former top aide Ari Harow agreed to testify against Netanyahu, raising speculation that an indictment could come soon.
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.
— with Raoul Wootliff
The Times of Israel Community.