Israel passes law allowing gov’t to bypass parliament on COVID-19 decisions

JERUSALEM - Israel’s parliament passed early on Tuesday a law allowing the government to bypass it on decisions related to the struggle against the resurgence of coronavirus cases.

The new law allows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to sidestep the Knesset and its committees so new decisions could take effect immediately. Under the new law, the government can declare a state of emergency and change coronavirus-related restrictions without the issues having to be debated in the Knesset in advance. The government said the new legislation is needed for a quick implementation of restrictions to halt the rapid spread of the virus. However, opposition lawmakers warned the move was another step undermining Israeli democracy. The new law comes a day after the government reimposed a series of restrictions, including the closure of bars, night clubs, event halls and public swimming pools, and canceling concerts and culture shows. On Monday, the Health Ministry reported 791 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections to 30,749 in Israel.

(Xinhua)