Several large trash dumpsters in the southern resort town of Eilat were found this week to have graffiti threatening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One of them read: “Death to Bibi.”

Police have launched an investigation, but as yet do not know who is behind the dangerous incitement.

“Death to Bibi” scrawled on a trash dumpster in Eilat. Photo: Israel Police

The incident comes against the backdrop of escalating anti-government demonstrations that have gone beyond merely opposing the current judicial reform, and are openly calling for Netanyahu to be removed from power. Protest leaders and the hundreds of thousands gathering in the streets insist that Bibi, to use the prime minister’s nickname, is a criminal and a dictator who must be opposed by any means.

Last month, certain protest leaders went so far as to suggest Netanyahu be assassinated.

Netanyahu responded that the demonstrations have crossed red lines and have gone far beyond what is protected by freedom of speech and the right to protest. Some fear what is happening in Israel now will ultimately result in a political murder.