Israelis call for Netanyahu's resignation

The submarine affair revolves around allegations of a massive bribery scheme involving a multibillion-shekel government purchase of naval vessels from German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp.

According to Israeli media outlets, the convoys set off from the upscale town of Caesarea near Netanyahu’s private residence and Bilu junction near Rehovot, with vehicles bearing Israeli flags and makeshift submarine and F-35 models on top of the cars. Over 100 vehicles were taking part.

The protest convoy was led by the Black Flag movement, a group that has organized the weekly Saturday protests in front of the Israeli Prime Minister’s residence in Al-Quds and elsewhere in the country for the past six months.

Netanyahu has been facing long-running charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes. His trial is scheduled to enter its evidentiary phase in January.

Several of Netanyahu’s close aides as well as high-ranking military officials were already indicted for the submarine case, but not the premier himself.

For about six months, thousands of Israelis have taken the streets of central Jerusalem near Netanyahu’s residence, calling on him to step down. Protesters say Netanyahu should not remain in office when he is on trial for corruption charges and accuse him of mishandling the coronavirus crisis.