Netanyahu statue toppled

A golden statue of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been given a mixed reception by onlookers as it made a brief appearance in Tel Aviv.

The controversial effigy which was nick-named “King Bibi” by its artist was apparently in response to the idol-like status of the leader among some of his supporters.

Golden statue of Benjamin Netanyahu toppled in Israel https://t.co/G2dF6wMdK2— The Independent (@Independent) December 6, 2016


Sculptor Itay Zalait told reporters he had also placed the four metre tall statue of Netanyahu on a white pedestal in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, adjacent to city hall, to test the limits of freedom of expression in Israel.

The Israeli government and artists have been locked in a so-called “culture war” over steps by Culture Minister Miri Regev to withhold state funds from institutions that do not express loyalty to the state.

One person took offence and pulled the statue down. Officials said it had been erected without permission