Social justice protests continue

For the fourth week in a row tens of thousands of Israelis demanding social justice protested in cities and towns in the periphery. An estimated 70,000 people attended demonstrations across the country Saturday night after a decision was made to hold protests outside of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The protests are part of the social justice movement that has erected tent cities in towns and cities demanding an end to rising costs and equality, Ynetnews.com and Haaretz reported. The largest protest was in Haifa where over 25,000 Israelis and Arab attended a rally, Ynetnews.com said. Protests were also held in Beersheba, Rosh Pina, Beit She'an Nazareth, Nahariya, Netanya, Rishon Lezion, Ashkelon, Dimona and Eilat. The protesters demand an end to price hikes on food, affordable housing, free tuition in elementary schools and improved healthcare. In an effort to address the issues, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu formed a team of experts and ministers last week who are tasked with investigating the protesters' demands and presenting its recommendations to Netanyahu within a month.