Governments have implemented emergency protocols to clamp down on travel and push through relief measures. Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a pliant Justice Ministry postpone his arraignment on corruption charges, while coronavirus-induced paralysis has stalled the formation of Israel’s new government after elections this month. The absence of a functional government has prevented the country’s newly elected parliament from pushing through legislation that could prevent an indicted politician like him from becoming prime minister. ADADMeanwhile, Netanyahu is playing up his role as commander in chief, staging daily national security briefings alongside allies. But any weaker description of Netanyahu’s assault on Israeli democracy is a refusal to absorb and report the truth.”ADADAn illiberal ally of the Israeli leader, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is also exercising new coronavirus-enabled powers.

Source: Washington Post March 23, 2020 03:56 UTC