Thousands of Palestinians and Israelis protested in Israel on Saturday against Israel's plan to extend sovereignty over parts of the West Bank. The protesters carried banners reading "No to annexation, no to occupation, yes to peace and democracy" and Palestinian flags.

The protesters gathered after the police issued a permit on Friday night, on the condition they wear masks and maintain a two-meter distance between each other. The protests were reportedly organized by left-wing groups.

The leader of Meretz, a left-leaning Israeli party called the annexation decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government a "war crime" and a "crime against democracy."

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders also addressed protesters in a video and expressed his support for the demonstration. 

"It has never been more important to stand up for justice, and to fight for the future we all deserve," Sanders said. "It's up to all of us to stand up to authoritarian leaders and to build a peaceful future for every Palestinian and every Israeli."

The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip – territories Israel captured in a 1967 Middle East war.

Netanyahu has set July 1 as the date to begin advancing his plan to annex Israel's settlements and the Jordan Valley in the West Bank, hoping for a green light from Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a peace plan that includes Israel keeping its settlements and the Palestinians establishing a state under stringent conditions.

Palestinians have rejected the proposal and voiced outrage against Israel's proposed annexation.

Warning of possible violence and diplomatic repercussions, some European and Arab states, together with the United Nations, have urged Israel not to annex its settlements, regarded by many countries as illegal.

Labor MK Merav Michaeli, who opposed her party's decision to join the new government, told protesters she came to Rabin Square as a representative of those in her center-left faction who oppose annexation. She also bashed Gantz for agreeing to stay align with the annexation plan. 

Michaeli said the move will damage relations with Jordan, which along with Egypt is the only Arab country to have full ties with Israel, as well as with close trade partners in Europe.

(With input from agencies)