Chareidi MKs Have Their Say

Talk with any chareidi MK these days and you’ll hear they’re deeply worried about coalition stability. The relationship between the Likud and Blue and White is tense. All that appears to be holding the government together now is Netanyahu’s dismal poll numbers, drowning in corona’s second wave. “Netanyahu knows if he goes for elections now, he’ll have a tough race.”

In a conversation Netanyahu held with the chareidi MKs, deputy minister Uri Maklev raised the subject of lockdowns and economic distress.

“Imposing lockdowns on entire neighborhoods is disproportionate, harmful, unprofessional, and illogical,” said Maklev. “Aside from economic considerations, you also have to take into account the damage to individuals and communities. It’s clear to everyone now that it isn’t worth it.

“Since the lockdown on Bnei Brak, the chareidim have come to be associated with the corona. ‘It’s their fault.’ People leave their houses and there are roadblocks down the street. This is something we’ve never seen before. Lockdowns being enforced with police in people’s yards. Traumatized children who will need psychological treatment.”