![Israeli police try to control a crowd of mourners during the funeral of Rabbi Mordechai Leifer, the latest in a string of clashes between security forces and ultra-Orthodox Jews violating a national coronavirus lockdown order, in the port city of Ashdod, Israel on October 5, 2020 [AP/Tsafrir Abayov]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AP_20279573967474.jpg?resize=270%2C180)
There is a growing perception that the Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish community is not abiding by anti-pandemic measures.
Netanyahu’s downfall might mark the rise of another Israeli leader, even more right-wing than him.
![Israeli protesters hold signs and chant slogans during a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu In Tel Aviv on August 27, 2020 [File: AP/Sebastian Scheiner]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b55b3e9751f4418ebdfd23c577df881f_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
While seeking normalisation of relations abroad, the Israeli PM is sowing ethnic tensions at home.
![A protester holds a sign depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a demonstration outside his residence in Jerusalem, on July 31, 2020 [AP/Oded Balilty]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/a8348c55e9824da59bdfca04efa4fa53_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
The mishandling of the pandemic fallout and his bid for early elections could bring down the Israeli prime minister.
![A labourer stands on a crane as he puts up banners depicting US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem on June 10, 2020 [Reuters/Ammar Awad]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/c18a67c398f84f24a892a5d665c1d933_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
The Israeli prime minister has broken with the Israeli right-wing policy of creeping annexation. Why the shift?
![A banner depicts Benny Gantz, leader of Blue and White alliance and Israel Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv, Israel on February 17, 2020 [Ammar Awad/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1a63786c5da44531b16b51354140a8b0_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Israel’s new national emergency government was established not to defeat COVID-19, but to keep Netanyahu out of prison.
![Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures as he chairs the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on March 8, 2020 [File: Oded Balilty/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/35ab8c0aba1945d4a5ab90cdcd0fa92d_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu owes his seat to a virus.
![United States President Donald Trump looks to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an event at the White House to announce a Middle East peace plan on January 28, 2020 [AP/Susan Walsh]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/1b7653244bc5493fb194c590b5522aa6_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Trump’s plan is meant to boost Netanyahu’s electoral fortunes and help keep him out of jail. But it can all backfire.
![Polls indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is neck-deep in corruption charges, is likely to continue leading Israel after the September 17 general election [Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/6ef5d0f267204f1f963013fc463f6428_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
The Israeli prime minister has managed to deploy the same old tricks every time his re-election has been threatened.
![A Likud election campaign billboard, depicting US President Trump shaking hands with Israeli PM Netanyahu, is seen at a main entrance to Tel Aviv, Israel, February 5, 2019 [Amir Cohen/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/792cfaba402c4dae902a0df2e127014c_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
But Trump is the first one that is doing so without any consideration for the prospects of peace.