Protesters take to the streets against Israeli prime minister. (Photo: teleSUR)

Tel Aviv, September 27 (RHC)-- Thousands of Israeli protesters have gathered outside the official residence of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to demand his departure over his administration’s handling of the coronavirus crisis and attempts to curtail their right to demonstrate.

Long lines of cars drove along the main highway to Jerusalem al-Quds, with demonstrators converging on Balfour Street Saturday night.  Similar anti-Netanyahu protests were held in Tel Aviv and Caesarea, where Netanyahu's private residence is located.

In al-Quds rally, some people carried banners reading, “Disgrace,” “Ashamed,” and “Thou Shalt Not Steal.”  Organizers said 16,000 were present at the demonstration, citing numbered wristbands they handed out to the participants.

The 'Black Flag' movement, one of the protest groups, said they were demonstrating at 315 junctions, and in over 100 neighborhoods, estimating "tens of thousands" had joined the rallies.  "This is the largest number of protesters since the bridge and intersection protests began 14 weeks ago."