Government reorganizes as some Covid-19 restrictions lifted

By Ira Sharkansky

Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM — We may have a government. So to speak.

We’ve heard from Yair Lapid, disappointed and angry. Speaking fluidly, as a former broadcaster. He couldn’t go along with Bibi. He had promised not to. Bibi is corrupt, as are those who attach themselves to him.

But what about flexibility in light of conditions? Israel needs a government, both to avoid yet another election likely to produce the fourth tied score; and it needs a way through the conundrum of coronavirus and its economic and social costs.

Benny Gantz has explained that, several times. He thanked Bibi for his cooperation, and by implication criticized Lapid and Yaalon for their stubbornness.

From what we know, the agreement is complex, and not likely to be implemented in all its features. But it’s what we have.

So far we don’t know if it’ll include more than 30 ministers and about half as many deputy ministers. Or will both major parties give up some of their options for the sake of the economy? The commitment to annex, or apply Israeli law to parts of the West Bank will depend, first, on Bibi’s desire; secondly on the agreement of the US; and perhaps thirdly on the agreement of Jordan.

Bibi has had the option to do that for years past, and has not pushed it beyond his rhetoric in behalf.

The government has ordered the military cemeteries closed for Memorial Day, and urged Israelis to visit the graves of loved ones either before or after then. That disappoints many of the million Israelis who usually visit the cemeteries on Memorial Day.

The cemeteries will be closed to cars, and police will urge those coming on foot to turn around. But they won’t physically halt those intent on a visit.

A full closure has been ordered for Independence Day, with travel between cities forbidden. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims have been urged to limit their meetings only to people actually living together

A great deal of detail in which businesses will be allowed to open, and which not. And much loud complaints about those segments kept closed. Especially noisy are the owners of stalls at Machane Yehuda, demanding to open.

IKEA is one target of criticism. As a furniture store, it is allowed to open. But why not shopping malls? Rules are that 250 customers are allowed inside IKEA, with a long line on the outside of customers waiting their turn.

Undoubtedly it helps that the Israeli owner of IKEA is a large contributor to the ultra-Orthodox of the Health Minister.

And Mikvaot are also allowed to open.

The Health Minister has responded to wide spread disappointments in him by asking the Prime Minister to appoint him to the Housing Ministry instead of Health.

He leaves behind him years of underfunded hospitals. We’ll see if the current health scare does anything to provide more basic funding to increase beds, physicians, nurses, and other personnel.

There’s been similar underfunding of education, with among the largest class sizes compared to the OECD.

Those giving haircuts are allowed, as well as beauty salons.

Stores along the street will open, but not the shopping malls.

Restaurants will be allowed to sell take-aways, with none sitting and eating there.

It’s all a bit confusing. Some chains are not opening because their mall locations remain closed. Others remain closed, with their owners saying they are waiting for more government aid to cover losses during their closing.

Some demand clearer definitions about what will be open and what not. What about schools and kindergartens? Others admit the problems in clear standards. A little of this, a little of that.

Plans are to open kindergartens and grades 1-3 next week. Hopefully freeing more parents to work.

A couple of towns with large ultra-Orthodox populations, and a high incidence of coronavirus, will be closed for five days. Assessments are that they violated the small Seder rule two weeks ago, which added significantly to infections.

Bibi’s Justice Minister extended the appointment of a senior figure concerned with prosecutions. That figure has been targeted by the Attorney General who accused him of failings in training, values, and administrative skills. All that has produced a real commotion, with the Attorney General endorsed by other seniors in his service, as well as by a list of attorneys. The target of their enmity engaged in an investigation of the Attorney General’s behavior some years ago, and urged the State Comptroller to investigate the issue.

Insofar as the State Comptroller is also close to Bibi, that request may add to the commotion .

We’ll see how these issues work themselves out, when there’ll be a new Justice Minister as well as other appointments, presumably after Independence Day.

On the other hand, there are so far three appeals to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Gantz-Netanyahu unity violates something basic.Included here is the claim that a man with three indictments cannot be named Prime Minister.

Lots of confusion, along with noise of complaints.

This is Israel Memorial Day, Lots of stories in the media of soldiers who fell, and interviews with their family members. This year, there won’t be a million visitors to the military cemeteries.

Tomorrow is Independence Day. This year, we’ll all be locked to within 100 meters of home, or 500 meters for those exercising. Without cookouts in the public parks.

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Ira Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. He may be contacted via ira.sharkansky@sdjewshworld.com