A Conversation on the Coronavirus and Israeli Politics with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro

This program is part of the Asia Society Policy Institute’s (ASPI) series entitled “Coronavirus, Asia, and the World.” ASPI presents web-only programs twice weekly to analyze the scope of the ramifications from the novel coronavirus across the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Israel has succeeded in reducing the number of new COVID-19 infections through a series of aggressive measures, including social distancing and quarantines.  The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process has praised Israeli and Palestinian authorities for their cooperation on the coronavirus.

In the midst of the pandemic, and after more than a year of political stalemate which saw three inconclusive elections, political rivals Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz agreed to form a “national emergency government.”  The agreement will likely spare Israel from a fourth consecutive election.  At the same time, it opens the door this summer for possible Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank – a move which would have significant implications for the region and the prospects of Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Asia Society Policy Institute Senior Fellow Puneet Talwar will be joined by former US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro to discuss Israel’s response to COVID-19, the political situation in the wake of the coalition government deal, the debate over annexation, and the latest tensions in a volatile region.

This is a web-only event. Asia Society members can watch live and ask questions by registering. This event is free, but the webinar is for users with a Zoom account. New to Zoom? Please sign up at https://asiasociety.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wx8-lpjxSqqke_2JHR8KGg.