Thousands of Israelis brave coronavirus to protest for democracy

Benjamin Netanyahu is under criminal indictment in three corruption cases

Israelis demonstrate against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under strict restrictions made to slow down the coronavirus spread, on Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel April 19, 2020 REUTERS

A man wearing a protective face mask holds an Israel's flag as Israelis demonstrate against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under strict restrictions made to slow down the Covid-19 spread, on Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel April 19, 2020 REUTERS

Israelis hold up their mobile phones as they demonstrate against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under strict restrictions made to slow down the coronavirus spread, on Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel April 19, 2020. REUTERS

Israelis hold posters with the picture of Benny Gantz, head of the Blue and White party, that read: "I would not sit in a government under a man with criminal indictment", as they protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under strict restrictions made to slow down the coronavirus spread, on Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel April 19, 2020. REUTERS

Israelis protest at a rally in Rabin Square on April 19, 2020 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Getty Images

Israelis light flash lights as they protest at a rally in Rabin Square on April 19, 2020 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Getty Images

Thousands of Israelis gather at an Anti-Corruption rally under coronavirus restrictions. Getty Images

Israelis protest at a rally in Rabin Square on April 19, 2020 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Getty Images

Thousands of Israelis gather at an Anti-Corruption rally under coronavirus restrictions, decries proposed unity government talks between Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Blue and White Party leader, Benny Gantz. Getty Images

Wearing face masks, waving black flags and keeping two metres  apart, thousands of Israelis rallied against anti-democratic measures imposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Netanyahu is under criminal indictment in three corruption cases but denies any wrongdoing.

He is also negotiating a power-sharing deal with rival Benny Gantz to form a coalition government that would end a year of political impasse after three inconclusive elections.

Protests are allowed under Israel's coronavirus restrictions, as long as people socially-distance and wear face masks.

The “Black Flag” demonstrations begun last month and are in response to stringent coronavirus policies that include tracking civilians through their mobile phones.

Under the banner of "Save the Democracy," protesters called on Mr Gantz's Blue and White party not to join a coalition led by a man charged with corruption.

He has campaigned for clean government but said the coronavirus crisis forced him to go back on his election pledge.

About 2,000 demonstrators attended the rally in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square, Israeli media said.

Israel has reported more than 13,000 coronavirus cases and 172 deaths.

Its health ministry said on Sunday that more than 3,500 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospital.

The past few days have seen a slowdown in new confirmed cases.

A partial lockdown has confined most Israelis to their homes, forced businesses to close and sent unemployment to about 26 per cent.

A Cabinet vote in the early hours of Sunday approved measures including the reopening of high street shops, schools for children with special needs and a resumption of small prayer meetings.

Most of the measures take effect from Sunday, while selected schools will reopen their doors to pupils on Tuesday, the education ministry said.