The Intelligence from The Economist Without a trace: Israel’s covid-19 spike
Jul 23, 2020
Roger McShane, The Economist's Middle East editor, discusses Israel's COVID-19 resurgence and the political fallout as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces protests over an overwhelmed contact-tracing program. Ted Plafker, the Beijing correspondent, reveals the impact of devastating floods displacing nearly 2 million people in China, sparking criticism on river management efforts. The conversation also touches on the societal shift towards bedtime stories for adults as a soothing escape during turbulent times, highlighting the growing trend in sleep-related content.
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Contact Tracing Failure
- Israel's contact tracing program has been overwhelmed, hindering containment efforts.
- Experts believe the government reopened too quickly without adequate measures.
Netanyahu's Centralized Control
- Netanyahu's centralized control and reluctance to delegate, particularly to rival Benny Gantz, hampered the COVID-19 response.
- He prioritized personal credit over effective management.
Inconsistent Policies
- The government's inconsistent policies, like the restaurant closure reversal, caused frustration among businesses.
- This haphazard approach eroded public trust and fueled protests.