Netanyahu accused of exploiting coronavirus to delay corruption trial
Israeli PM rushed through emergency measures which led to postponement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of exploiting the coronavirus to postpone his upcoming corruption trial.
The hearing is being delayed by more than two months because of new restrictions introduced to contain the coronavirus.
Many have pointed out that the restrictions - including bans on gatherings of more than 10 people in public places - had been announced by Netanyahu himself.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Netanyahu, who lost in the September 2019 Israeli election, has also called for a national emergency government to deal with the impact of the epidemic.
The controversial Israeli leader was facing charges of receiving expensive gifts from wealthy friends and offering to exchange favours with powerful media moguls. He denies any wrongdoing and insists he is the victim of a media-orchestrated witch hunt.
However, he has been accused of exploiting the outbreak for “personal political needs”, by opposition MP Moshe Ya’alon.
“Whoever criticized us for warning we would turn into Erdogan’s Turkey should digest and internalize the cynical exploitation of the coronavirus, for personal political needs, by a defendant before his trial,” Ya’alon wrote on Twitter.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Netanyahu has said that a government of national unity should be formed, including all of the parties in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. As CNN highlights, the call to unite does not extend to “the Arab parties”.
“In light of the world and national crisis, we have to unite our strength and form a strong and stable government that can pass a budget and take tough decisions,” Netanyahu said.
Supporters of the prime minister are massing around him, CNN reports, as they “see him as uniquely qualified to lead the country in this time of need”.
“To them, the coronavirus is one more challenge Netanyahu is sure to overcome,” the broadcaster adds.
This is echoed by Middle East Eye, which reports that “Benjamin Netanyahu will go down in history as the one human being saved by coronavirus”.
“The virus that attacks the respiratory system serves for now as Netanyahu’s respiratory machine”, the news site says. The pandemic is providing “the necessary amount of oxygen [for him to] remain in office and out of the courtroom”, it adds.
However, Ben Caspit, author of The Netanyahu Years, told CNN that it is “impossible to disconnect his call for an ‘emergency government’ or a ‘unity government’ from the fact that he failed once again to muster a majority”.
Caspit, a longstanding critic of the Israeli prime minister, added that Netanyahu has “thrice been unsuccessful in his bid to get reelected... [but] refuses to hand over the reins.
He added that Netanyahu is now “exploiting a national crisis to retain his grip on power”.
On Sunday, Israel’s president announced that opposition leader Benny Gantz, of the Blue and White party, had received enough support from lawmakers to attempt to form his own government.
Gantz has since slammed Netanyahu’s manoeuvring, writing on Twitter: “Netanyahu, let's not manipulate the public. If you're interested in unity, why postpone your trial at 1 a.m. and send an ‘emergency unity’ outline to the press, rather than sending your negotiating team to a meeting.”
-
Why are American conservatives clashing with Pope Leo?
Talking Points Comments on immigration and abortion draw backlash
-
9 haunted hotels where things definitely go bump in the night
The Week Recommends Don’t fear these spirited spots. Embrace them.
-
Saudi comedy fest exposes free speech schism in stand-up
IN THE SPOTLIGHT The decision by some of stand-up’s biggest names to attend a festival in a nation infamous for its censorship has the comedy world picking sides and settling old scores
-
Netanyahu agrees to Trump’s new Gaza peace plan
Speed Read At President Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they agreed upon a plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Israel and the Gaza flotilla
The Explainer Activists fear loss of life after blaming Israel for drone attacks on ships
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
What would happen if Israel lost America’s support?
Today’s big question Loss of US backing could be a ‘catastrophe’ for Israel
-
UK, 3 Western allies recognize Palestinian state
Speed Read Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the state of Palestine
-
Gaza genocide: will UN ruling change anything?
Today's Big Question Commission of inquiry’s findings ‘give unprecedented weight’ to genocide claims
-
Why ‘anti-Islam’ bikers are guarding Gaza aid sites
In The Spotlight Members of Infidels MC, who regard themselves as modern Crusaders, among private security guards at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites