A Jerusalem court early on Sunday ordered the release of a former Air Force general and leading activist opposed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rule whose arrest prompted hundreds to protest outside the Israeli leader’s residence.

Benjamin Netanyahu (File Photo: AFP)

Jerusalem:

Retired Brig. Gen. Amir Haskel has been a leader of the protest movement against Netanyahu, demanding that the long-time leader step down while facing charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes. Haskel and several others were detained on Friday in what police said was an “illegal” demonstration because the protesters blocked roads.

Haskel, a former top Israeli Air Force general, has become a symbol of the protest movement. Demonstrations have been held regularly around the country calling for Netanyahu to resign. “No one will prevent us from protesting anywhere,” Haskel said upon his release, adding a barb toward Netanyahu about his own brief experience in jail.

“We were in Hadarim prison for 15 hours. It wasn’t pleasant, but it wasn’t terrible.”