Albanian protests close Israeli embassy in Tirana as unrest spreads

Israel's embassy in Tirana temporarily closed on Friday as anti-government protests escalated in Albania, with thousands demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over corruption and unemployment. The embassy said reopening would depend on events. On Saturday, masked protesters threw rocks at riot police outside the Education Ministry, prompting stun grenades, tear gas, and water cannons. Police reported 500 detentions, 120 officers injured, and 45 protesters hurt, with buildings smashed and set alight. The unrest follows months of protests over a luxury resort plan on Albania's coast, involving Jared Kushner, and Rama's corruption scandals. Rama, in power since 2013, vowed to stay, while similar protests occurred in France and Spain.