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Citing Threat to Israeli Democracy, Netanyahu Opponents Take Battle to Supreme Court Citing Threat to Israeli Democracy, Netanyahu Opponents Take Battle to Supreme Court
(about 7 hours later)
Citing a threat to Israeli democracy, opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Supreme Court on Sunday to block what they described as a power grab by the caretaker government under the guise of combating the coronavirus epidemic.Citing a threat to Israeli democracy, opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Supreme Court on Sunday to block what they described as a power grab by the caretaker government under the guise of combating the coronavirus epidemic.
The petitioners asked the court to restore the full powers of Parliament, which has been largely blocked from functioning by a Netanyahu ally, Yuli Edelstein, the speaker. He has claimed public health concerns.The petitioners asked the court to restore the full powers of Parliament, which has been largely blocked from functioning by a Netanyahu ally, Yuli Edelstein, the speaker. He has claimed public health concerns.
A new Parliament was sworn in last week, but among the key votes Mr. Edelstein has prevented is one on replacing him as speaker.A new Parliament was sworn in last week, but among the key votes Mr. Edelstein has prevented is one on replacing him as speaker.
The paralysis in Parliament has only compounded the country’s political deadlock and chaos in the wake of three inconclusive elections in the past 12 months.The paralysis in Parliament has only compounded the country’s political deadlock and chaos in the wake of three inconclusive elections in the past 12 months.
[Update: Benny Gantz, breaking vows, says he would serve under Netanyahu.][Update: Benny Gantz, breaking vows, says he would serve under Netanyahu.]
Mr. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has every interest in remaining in power, if only to gain leverage in negotiating a plea deal after being indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The coronavirus outbreak has provided him with a new opportunity to try to maintain his grip on power.Mr. Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has every interest in remaining in power, if only to gain leverage in negotiating a plea deal after being indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The coronavirus outbreak has provided him with a new opportunity to try to maintain his grip on power.
Though his right-wing-religious alliance narrowly lost this month’s election, the prime minister is reluctant to give up his bloc’s control of Parliament. Mr. Netanyahu has been trying to push his main rival, Benny Gantz, of the centrist Blue and White party, to join him in an emergency unity government that might prevent a fourth election.Though his right-wing-religious alliance narrowly lost this month’s election, the prime minister is reluctant to give up his bloc’s control of Parliament. Mr. Netanyahu has been trying to push his main rival, Benny Gantz, of the centrist Blue and White party, to join him in an emergency unity government that might prevent a fourth election.
But Likud officials said Sunday that ousting Mr. Edelstein would eliminate any chance of a unity government.But Likud officials said Sunday that ousting Mr. Edelstein would eliminate any chance of a unity government.
Mr. Gantz’s party, one of the petitioners to the Supreme Court, responded: “The ultimatum, while harming our democracy, makes evident that Netanyahu would like to drag this country into a fourth round of elections, even in the throes of a crisis that demands that we all act on behalf of the people, both in government and in Parliament.”Mr. Gantz’s party, one of the petitioners to the Supreme Court, responded: “The ultimatum, while harming our democracy, makes evident that Netanyahu would like to drag this country into a fourth round of elections, even in the throes of a crisis that demands that we all act on behalf of the people, both in government and in Parliament.”
Mr. Netanyahu, has resorted to emergency regulations to usher in increasingly draconian measures to combat the spread of the virus. Those included authorizing the Shin Bet internal security agency to use cellphone data to track citizens, without any parliamentary oversight.Mr. Netanyahu, has resorted to emergency regulations to usher in increasingly draconian measures to combat the spread of the virus. Those included authorizing the Shin Bet internal security agency to use cellphone data to track citizens, without any parliamentary oversight.
Avichai Mandelblit, the attorney general and a Netanyahu appointee, aired his own concerns in a statement to the court, emphasizing the “vital necessity of enabling the existence of parliamentary oversight of the work of the government, particularly at this time.”Avichai Mandelblit, the attorney general and a Netanyahu appointee, aired his own concerns in a statement to the court, emphasizing the “vital necessity of enabling the existence of parliamentary oversight of the work of the government, particularly at this time.”
The justice minister, a Netanyahu loyalist, also used emergency ordinances to restrict court activities, leading to the postponement of Mr. Netanyahu’s trial on corruption charges for more than two months. There are growing accusations that the government is exploiting the coronavirus epidemic to sow panic and maintain power.The justice minister, a Netanyahu loyalist, also used emergency ordinances to restrict court activities, leading to the postponement of Mr. Netanyahu’s trial on corruption charges for more than two months. There are growing accusations that the government is exploiting the coronavirus epidemic to sow panic and maintain power.
Mr. Netanyahu has denounced the criticism, accusing his opponents of engaging in petty politics while he is working to save lives and stop the virus from ravaging the country. He compared himself to the captain of the Titanic in a television interview on Saturday, saying that he was steering between icebergs.Mr. Netanyahu has denounced the criticism, accusing his opponents of engaging in petty politics while he is working to save lives and stop the virus from ravaging the country. He compared himself to the captain of the Titanic in a television interview on Saturday, saying that he was steering between icebergs.
“Behind me already, there are other states, Titanics,” and there is no guarantee of success, he said.“Behind me already, there are other states, Titanics,” and there is no guarantee of success, he said.
The number of coronavirus cases in Israel surpassed 1,000 on Sunday. The first fatality, an elderly Holocaust survivor, contracted the virus in a Jerusalem nursing home and died on Friday.The number of coronavirus cases in Israel surpassed 1,000 on Sunday. The first fatality, an elderly Holocaust survivor, contracted the virus in a Jerusalem nursing home and died on Friday.
The government has limited gatherings to 10 people or fewer. And Israel moved swiftly to bar the entry of foreign nationals.The government has limited gatherings to 10 people or fewer. And Israel moved swiftly to bar the entry of foreign nationals.
Citizens have been instructed to stay home, with outings allowed for grocery shopping and medical purposes. People can go out to work if necessary, but there are strict limitations on the number of workers allowed in any one place.Citizens have been instructed to stay home, with outings allowed for grocery shopping and medical purposes. People can go out to work if necessary, but there are strict limitations on the number of workers allowed in any one place.
The first coronavirus cases were registered in the Gaza Strip this weekend. The patients are two Palestinians who returned from Pakistan.The first coronavirus cases were registered in the Gaza Strip this weekend. The patients are two Palestinians who returned from Pakistan.
Aid workers have warned that an outbreak in the crowded and impoverished coastal enclave could be disastrous. At least 57 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have tested positive for the virus. The Palestinian Authority has now put West Bank residents under virtual lockdown.Aid workers have warned that an outbreak in the crowded and impoverished coastal enclave could be disastrous. At least 57 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have tested positive for the virus. The Palestinian Authority has now put West Bank residents under virtual lockdown.
In Israel, the Supreme Court case essentially boiled down to a clash over the role of the speaker, who sets the legislative agenda.In Israel, the Supreme Court case essentially boiled down to a clash over the role of the speaker, who sets the legislative agenda.
Legal experts said the efforts by Mr. Edelstein, the departing speaker, to block a vote for his replacement was unconstitutional and subverted the results of the March 2 election. Anti-Netanyahu forces won a slim majority of 61 in the 120-seat Parliament.Legal experts said the efforts by Mr. Edelstein, the departing speaker, to block a vote for his replacement was unconstitutional and subverted the results of the March 2 election. Anti-Netanyahu forces won a slim majority of 61 in the 120-seat Parliament.
Mr. Gantz was given the first chance at forming a government. But the 61 lawmakers who endorsed him belong to diverse camps that have not agreed to cooperate to form a minority government, let alone sit together in a coalition.Mr. Gantz was given the first chance at forming a government. But the 61 lawmakers who endorsed him belong to diverse camps that have not agreed to cooperate to form a minority government, let alone sit together in a coalition.
Mr. Netanyahu has called for Mr. Gantz to join him in a three-year emergency unity government to fight the epidemic. Mr. Netanyahu insists on leading it for the first 18 months, followed by Mr. Gantz for another 18.Mr. Netanyahu has called for Mr. Gantz to join him in a three-year emergency unity government to fight the epidemic. Mr. Netanyahu insists on leading it for the first 18 months, followed by Mr. Gantz for another 18.
The alternative would be an unpopular fourth election, putting Mr. Gantz in a tight corner. His party pledged during the election not to sit in a government led by a prime minister under indictment, and any prospect of a unity agreement is hampered by a deep distrust.The alternative would be an unpopular fourth election, putting Mr. Gantz in a tight corner. His party pledged during the election not to sit in a government led by a prime minister under indictment, and any prospect of a unity agreement is hampered by a deep distrust.
The attorney general’s statement to the court included inherent criticism of Mr. Edelstein, who has insisted that the general emergency health regulations limiting gatherings to 10 people apply to the assembly. However, the orders specifically exempted the Parliament.The attorney general’s statement to the court included inherent criticism of Mr. Edelstein, who has insisted that the general emergency health regulations limiting gatherings to 10 people apply to the assembly. However, the orders specifically exempted the Parliament.
Even before the court hearing began, Mr. Edelstein had put the formation of committees on Monday’s agenda, but was holding out against a vote on replacing him.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Mr. Edelstein said that he had never shuttered Parliament, and that he was only ensuring the health of the lawmakers. By law, he said, has up until the day of the formation of a new government to hold a vote for a new speaker.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Even before the court hearing began, Mr. Edelstein had put the formation of committees on Monday’s agenda, but was holding out against a vote on replacing him.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Mr. Edelstein said that he had never shuttered Parliament, and that he was only ensuring the health of the lawmakers. By law, he said, has up until the day of the formation of a new government to hold a vote for a new speaker.
“There is no danger to democracy,” he wrote, “It’s one big bluff.”“There is no danger to democracy,” he wrote, “It’s one big bluff.”
Many Israelis disagreed.Many Israelis disagreed.
“How can one tell if an attempt is being made to carry out a coup d’état in your country?” wrote the Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, author of the international best seller “Sapiens,” in an op-ed article in the popular Yediot Ahronot newspaper on Sunday. “It isn’t easy. The sky isn’t suddenly filled with large letters that read: ‘coup d’état!’ The sun continues to shine; children continue to play; people continue to eat. Everything looks normal.”“How can one tell if an attempt is being made to carry out a coup d’état in your country?” wrote the Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, author of the international best seller “Sapiens,” in an op-ed article in the popular Yediot Ahronot newspaper on Sunday. “It isn’t easy. The sky isn’t suddenly filled with large letters that read: ‘coup d’état!’ The sun continues to shine; children continue to play; people continue to eat. Everything looks normal.”
Pointing to what he called an endless loop of chatter about the coronavirus on all the Israeli television channels, he added: “It is under the cover of that chatter that an attempted coup d’état is being staged.”Pointing to what he called an endless loop of chatter about the coronavirus on all the Israeli television channels, he added: “It is under the cover of that chatter that an attempted coup d’état is being staged.”
On Saturday night, a coalition of civic organizations led by Darkenu, a nonpartisan group that says it represents the moderate majority of Israelis, held what they described as a virtual protest, live-streaming statements by public figures — and circumventing the limitations on public gatherings.On Saturday night, a coalition of civic organizations led by Darkenu, a nonpartisan group that says it represents the moderate majority of Israelis, held what they described as a virtual protest, live-streaming statements by public figures — and circumventing the limitations on public gatherings.
“No country in the world is dealing with this crisis with its judiciary and legislature disabled by the executive branch,” Yuval Diskin, a former Shin Bet chief, said of Israel’s response to the coronavirus.“No country in the world is dealing with this crisis with its judiciary and legislature disabled by the executive branch,” Yuval Diskin, a former Shin Bet chief, said of Israel’s response to the coronavirus.
Addressing Mr. Netanyahu he, he said: “Do this for the people. Go and defend yourself in court, and if you are acquitted, come back.”Addressing Mr. Netanyahu he, he said: “Do this for the people. Go and defend yourself in court, and if you are acquitted, come back.”
The organizers said that more than 500,000 Israelis — out of a population of nine million — and 100,000 international viewers tuned in to the protest at some point.The organizers said that more than 500,000 Israelis — out of a population of nine million — and 100,000 international viewers tuned in to the protest at some point.
David M. Halbfinger contributed reporting from Jerusalem, Iyad Abuheweila from Gaza and Mohammed Najib from the West Bank.David M. Halbfinger contributed reporting from Jerusalem, Iyad Abuheweila from Gaza and Mohammed Najib from the West Bank.