Israeli police fired water cannon to disperse anti-government protests attended by thousands on Saturday, as public anger mounts over the handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Demonstrators gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem and at a park in Tel Aviv to voice frustration over the government's response to a growing epidemic that has taken a devastating economic toll.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said officers had allowed demonstrations to take place but took action against unauthorised "disturbances", including road blockages.
Mr Rosenfeld said protesters in Tel Aviv sprayed pepper spray at police, leading to arrests.
With Israel recording more than 1,000 new coronavirus infections a day in recent weeks, the government on Friday announced a broad range of restrictions.
Shops, markets and other public venues have closed on weekends, while restaurants have been restricted to take away and delivery.
Mr Netanyahu has admitted he reopened the economy too soon in late April and early May, when Israel, a country of about 9 million people, had reduced its daily caseload to a trickle.
In an apparent bid to quell public anger, Mr Netanyahu this week announced plans to send money to all Israelis – a measure criticised by some experts who said the economy needed targeted assistance, not a nationwide payout.
While some protesters voiced frustration over the reimposed restrictions, others have criticised the government for failing to improve testing capacity before the second transmission wave.
According to a July 12 poll by the Israel Democracy Institute think tank, only 29.5 per cent of the public supported Mr Netanyahu's coronavirus management.
That figure was 57.5 per cent at the beginning of April.
Beyond the pandemic, some protesters demanded Mr Netanyahu's resignation over corruption charges filed against the veteran right-wing premier.
Mr Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, but has been indicted for accepting improper gifts and seeking to trade favours with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.
The trial continues in Jerusalem on Sunday, although Mr Netanyahu is not expected to appear in court.
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Karnataka Tuskers 110-3
J Charles 35, M Pretorius 1-19, Z Khan 0-16
Deccan Gladiators 111-5 in 8.3 overs
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Wednesday and the pair embraced but he failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
