Israels pm netanyahu accused of exploiting coronavirus crisis

Yes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to further his political interests and consolidate power. Here are some examples:

1. Emergency powers: Netanyahu's government passed a law in March 2020 that granted the prime minister extraordinary powers to make decisions without consulting the cabinet or parliament. Critics argued that this was an abuse of power and a threat to democracy.
2. Coronavirus task force: Netanyahu established a coronavirus task force, which was led by his close ally, Ronni Gamzu, a former director-general of the Health Ministry. Critics accused Gamzu of being a "yes man" who was more interested in promoting Netanyahu's interests than making decisions based on scientific evidence.
3. Media manipulation: Netanyahu's government was accused of using the pandemic to restrict media freedom and silence critics. For example, the government imposed strict regulations on the media, including a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, which effectively silenced many independent media outlets.
4. Economic aid: Netanyahu's government was accused of using the pandemic to distribute economic aid to his political allies and supporters, rather than to those who needed it most. For example, the government provided large sums of money to companies owned by Netanyahu's friends and family members.
5. Vaccine distribution: Netanyahu's government was accused of prioritizing the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to his political allies and supporters, rather than to those who needed it most. For example, the government gave priority to ultra-Orthodox communities, which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, but also gave vaccines to Netanyahu's friends and family members.
6. Election manipulation: Netanyahu's government was accused of using the pandemic to manipulate the upcoming elections. For example, the government postponed the elections several times, citing the pandemic, and used the crisis to restrict campaigning and limit the ability of opposition parties to campaign.
7. Corruption allegations: Netanyahu has been accused of using the pandemic to distract from corruption allegations against him. In 2020, Netanyahu was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, and the pandemic was seen by some as a way to divert attention from the corruption scandal.

These allegations have been made by various sources, including opposition parties, human rights groups, and media outlets. However, it's worth noting that Netanyahu and his government have denied any wrongdoing and have argued that their actions were necessary to respond to the pandemic.