The main problem with the recent string of protests is how they are perceived. Many see the as a "welcome" unrest, a mere step away from some sort of "revolution," but the trouble is, some may use it as an excuse to do something radical.
Make no mistake about it – the violent protests near the Prime Minister's Resident in Jerusalem this week reek of an attempted putsch. We all know who the instigators are and, given how events have unfolded so far, there is clear direction and strategy.
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The Israel Police, who have been lambasted for arresting protesters, now think twice before doing their job, and they are definitely not doing what is necessary to protect the Prime Minister's Residence. The Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency is tasked with protecting the wellbeing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and we would all do well to remember that there is a world of difference between freedom of expression and protest and what we saw in Jerusalem this week.
In many ways, the police are treating the demonstrators with kid gloves. There seems to be a systemic effort – some code that in my opinion does not pose a befitting response to the violent atmosphere fostered by the demonstrators.
These violent protesters have an ally planted in the center of power, namely Blue and White leader Benny Gantz. The very fact that he is Netanyahu's partner in government clearly demonstrates that the Left's coup was successful albeit it was halted halfway.
They may not have toppled Netanyahu but they impeding the government thus intensifying the pressure already caused by the coronavirus crisis.
The government seems too preoccupied with micromanaging the pandemic, with ministers bickering over when and how to open or close gyms and pools when they should be focused on the long-term economic repercussions of measures taken to curb the spread of the virus.
One of the problems is that, protests aside, there is an anarchist approach among the public by which it is okay to flout government directives seeking to curb the outbreak. Perhaps it is time for the government to form an official coronavirus administration and place a man who enjoys the public's confidence at its helm.
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