Biden says he’ll keep US embassy in Jerusalem if elected, Times of Israel
Rather than reversing Trump, Biden told donors he’d reopen a US consulate in East Jerusalem to engage Palestinian leaders in talks about a “two-state solution” that had long been the official US posture toward Israel and the Palestinians. “I’ve been a proud supporter of a secure, democratic Jewish state of Israel my entire life,” Biden said. But, he added: “My administration will urge both sides to take steps to keep the prospect of a two-state solution alive.”
Trump’s OK on Israeli Annexation Is Like His Clorox Prescription: Toxic and Lethal, Haaretz
Chemi Shalev writes, “Like his clueless denial of the disease, wanton undermining of health precautions and weird pharmaceutical prescriptions, Trump’s gestures towards Israel are irresponsible, hazardous and potentially poisonous.”
Chalk marks, discipline aid mass protest in virus-era Israel, AP
During the past two weekends, thousands of people have gathered in perfect geometric patterns in Tel Aviv’s central square to comply with social distancing rules as they express their anger over the continued rule of a prime minister charged with serious crimes.
Attorney General Tells Court No Reason to Block Netanyahu From Forming Government, Haaretz
Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit told the High Court of Justice there is no legal reason to block Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a government, as the court prepares to hear petitions against the coalition agreement between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, and against allowing a person who is under criminal indictment – as Netanyahu currently is – to form a new government.
Israelis protest at court ahead of anti-Netanyahu petitions, AP
Dozens of protesters rallied outside Israel’s Supreme Court on Thursday against petitions to disqualify Benjamin Netanyahu from serving as prime minister while facing criminal charges.
Businesses, economists decry ‘lack of leadership’ as pandemic batters economy, Times of Israel
Businesses along with economists have been decrying what they say is a lack of economic leadership as Israel copes with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pompeo argues US still in Iran deal in bid to snap back global sanctions, Al-Monitor
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is publicly arguing that the United States is still a participant in the Iran nuclear deal despite President Donald Trump’s stated withdrawal from the accord in 2018.
Virus lockdowns may be hiding an outbreak of violence against women, children, Times of Israel
Professionals in the field know that domestic violence increases whenever families are together, such as during festivals and holidays. Several experts who spoke to The Times of Israel used the same analogy: a pot being brought to boiling point during the current crisis.
The Challenge Facing Israel’s New Opposition, Haaretz
Anshel Pfeffer writes, “This explains how Netanyahu has survived, despite it all. Most Israelis want him replaced – that much was clear from the results of the election on March 2. But his coalition is loyal to its Haredi partners and they reciprocate with unconditional support for the beleaguered prime minister. The opposition, on the other hand, was not prepared to embrace its Arab component in order to replace Netanyahu, which just goes to show that there are things even stronger than ‘Anyone but Bibi.’”