While the coronavirus pandemic rages on, Israel is facing a challenge to its democracy of the kind most countries fear most, a party in power that refuses to accept election results that did not go in their favor.
Leading the march is outgoing Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, who subverts parliamentary practices in order to secure his own position of power and refuses to allow a newly elected Knesset majority vote against him. He is discounting the majority - and this more than a symbolic act.
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Demonstrators clash with police at a protest outside the Knesset against Yuli Edelstein's actions
(Photo: Gilad Cohen)
Edelstein has suspended all Knesset activity. There are no committees, no discussions, no legislative work and no oversight of the government. To him, elections results can go to hell.
The speaker is even using the coronavirus outbreak as an excuse for his dangerous behavior. Even President Reuven Rivlin, a former Knesset Speaker himself, appealed to him.
Though I have always been a critic of Judicial activism, with the Supreme Court overstepping its authority and interfering in political and governmental actions, claiming it is standing up for the weaker minority.
But now I call on this Judicial activism to appear in full force and protect the majority from the tyranny of the minority asserting its power and refusing to let go.
Edelstein is not alone in this. Politicians have hit rock bottom. The need for a unity government is clear and the people's will has reflected that. A fourth election cycle at the time of a pandemic is suicidal, yet our elected leaders persist in their political games.
Netanyahu though is more to blame than anyone else. Most Israelis came out in March to vote against him. He must move aside and allow new leadership to take the reins.
Still, he insists he alone can rule. To hell with democracy. Even if a unity government is formed, with a rotating prime minister, he wants to be the first to head it and for two years. Why should he be allowed to force himself on the people who have spoken and voted against him?
I have often read dire warnings that Netanyahu is a danger to democracy. I was loathe to believe it. But the behavior of both Edelstein and Netanyahu is certainly an indication that we may be heading in that direction.