Four Overlapping Crises: The Challenges of the Israeli Parliament and Its Individual Members

Osnat Akirav

《Taiwan Journal of Democracy》 20卷1期 (2024/07) Pp. 127-153

摘要

During 2020-2021 Israel faced four overlapping crises: a military crisis, a health crisis, an economic crisis and a constitutional crisis. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has been facing military threats to its very existence. Similar to other countries, COVID-19 created an economic crisis in Israel. However, during 2019-2022, Israel held elections five times. While in some countries such as the UK, Spain and Austria, citizens went to the polls more frequently than they normally do, they have a constitution, be it formal or informal. In contrast, Israel has only a set of Basic Laws that are easy to change. Did Israeli legislators fulfill their functions of representation and overseeing the government during these four overlapping crises? Previous studies have indicated that Prime Minister Netanyahu employed disproportionate policy responses during the COVID-19 crisis. In accordance with rally-round-the-flag tactics, he also used an apocalyptic narrative to describe the dangers of COVID-19. Nevertheless, individual legislators, using one-minute speeches, did their best to take a position regarding the constitutional crisis.

關鍵字

Overlapping crises ； one-minute speeches ； COVID-19 ； rally-round-the-flag

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