Thousands protest against austerity in Israel

Thousands of Israelis have rallied in Tel Aviv against austerity measures by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the high cost of living.

This latest show of anger at economic hardship comes after two Israelis died, having set themselves on fire in protest at their plight.

“We are here protesting against the government of the rich, the government who wants to add more taxes on the working people and the middle layers, and the students, and the poor people, while erasing billions of dollars to the large companies,” said demonstrator Yoav Sagi.

Israel’s cabinet has approved a package of tax rises and spending cuts aimed at reining in the budget deficit. The country weathered the global economic crisis well until a year ago when exports began to slow amid the downturn in the US and Europe.

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