Coronavirus: in Israel B. Netanyahu calls for the creation of an "emergency government"

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu calls for the creation of an emergency government after the country has been in political crisis for a year. Ronen Zvulun / Reuters

Text by: RFI Follow

Israel announced on Thursday, March 12, the closure of schools, colleges and high schools in an attempt to stem the spread of the new coronavirus. The Israeli Prime Minister also calls for the establishment of an "emergency government", while the country has been going through a political crisis for a year and it does not have a majority in parliament.

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From our correspondent in Jerusalem , Guilhem Delteil

While 109 people have been detected as carrying the virus in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu , in his televised address on Thursday March 12, drew a parallel between the current health crisis and the period preceding the Six Day War in 1967. the day before this conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors, a government of national unity had been formed. Benyamin Netanyahu takes up the idea by promising that this government will have a limited lifespan.

Politically, this option would allow Israel to establish a full-service government when, for more than a year, the executive has only been responsible for handling current affairs and has limited prerogatives. It would also certainly allow Benyamin Netanyahu to stay in power for a few more months, while his trial is scheduled to start next week and the opposition, the majority in Parliament, was organizing to try to do so. fall.

Cornered, the opposition leader said he was in favor of a " broad national emergency government ". But Benny Gantz wants a government that "would reflect the entire Israeli public ," he says. Which would therefore include the Arab parties, potential allies of his formation, but sworn enemies of Benjamin Netanyahu. The outgoing Prime Minister accused them of " supporting terrorism " and claimed that they will not be able to enter the government.

A new showdown will begin.

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  • Israel
  • Benyamin netanyahu

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