Pro-Netanyahu rally turnout 'six times lower' than Likud party claims: reports

Netanyahu’s Likud party claimed that as many as 15,000 demonstrators attended the rally, even though Israeli media put the number at six times less than that.

The right-wing party bussed demonstrators, who reportedly numbered around 2,000 to 3,000, from all over the country to the rally in the coastal city.

Supporters of the Netanyahu called on authorities to "end the persecution" in the first major protest backing the prime minister since his indictment on graft charges.

Those who turned out echoed Netanyahu’s denouncement of the allegations made against him by Israel’s attorney general.

"What is going on here is an attempt to stage a coup against the prime minister," Netanyahu said.

"The object of the investigations was to oust the right wing from government."

In a 15-minute speech, Netanyahu railed against his political rivals and state institutions, accusing the police and judiciary of bias.

The veteran politician argued that it was time for an "investigation of the investigators".

The 70-year-old politician, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, was charged on Thursday with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Israel has been without a functioning government for most of the year, with Netanyahu, nicknamed 'King Bibi', staying on as interim premier after two inconclusive elections in April and September.

Former minister Gideon Saar, who commands significant support inside Likud, has called for a party leadership election ahead of a possible third election.

But other senior Likud members still back Netanyahu.

"When our prime minister is attacked on all sides, that is the time to unite and back him," his ally Miri Regev, culture and sports minister, said on Facebook while taking part in the demonstration.

The indictment comes with crunch talks due on forming a government, after two inconclusive general elections left the country's political system deadlocked.

Netanyahu is not legally required to resign unless he is convicted and any subsequent appeals process is exhausted, but political pressure is likely to be intense.



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