, Columnist
Israel’s Return to Lockdown Offers a Cautionary Tale
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory prematurely. Now Israelis are rightly angry at the cost of that hubris.
The price of hubris.
Photographer: Ariel Schalit/APThis article is for subscribers only.
Not so long ago, Israel was considered a coronavirus success story. In May, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated himself on achieving victory and, with a wide smile, invited Israelis to “go out and have a good time.”
That invitation was readily accepted. People who had been locked down for many weeks celebrated with mass parties and grand wedding receptions. Bars, pubs and restaurants reopened to full houses. Few bothered with masks or social distancing. The good times Bibi called for were rolling.