Israeli minister quits Netanyahu's cabinet over protest curbs
An Israeli minister on Friday resigned because of a new law that limits protests against Benjamin Netanyahu, as the prime minister faces growing calls to resign over his handling of the coronavirus crisis and alleged corruption.
Tourism Minister Asaf Zamir, a member of the Blue and White Party led by Defence Minister Benny Gantz, confirmed his resignation on Facebook.
"My conscience does not allow me to stay in a government that prevents de facto protest," Zamir wrote.
'Even at its most difficult time, Netanyahu runs the country according to his own political interest'
- Tourism Minister Asaf Zamir
"Even at its most difficult time, Netanyahu runs the country according to his own political interest."
Israel's parliament on Wednesday voted for a government edict that bans Israelis from holding protests more than 1km away from their homes.
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The protest laws are part of a new set of coronavirus rules as Israeli authorities struggle to curb an increase in Covid-19 infections across the country.
Critics have condemned the new laws and say they an attempt by Netanyahu to quell weeks of protests against him.
Police said they had arrested 12 demonstrators who they claimed were causing a "public disturbance".
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