A Tale of Two Leaders: Netanyahu During the Coronavirus Crisis and Ben-Gurion During the War of Independence

Criticism of the Israeli government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis has focused on its “on the move” decision-making and lack of an “exit strategy.” But a consideration of David Ben-Gurion’s leadership during the War of Independence reveals personal perspective to be an essential element in decision-making and shows the necessity of learning in the midst of change.

Monotheistic Religions and the Coronavirus Crisis

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on the world of religion. This can be seen in three major areas: attitudes of religious leaders, behavior and rituals of believers, and efforts to give a theological meaning to the pandemic. Spiritual leaders may have squandered an opportunity to reinforce their religions through their responses to the crisis.

Despite Coronavirus, Hezbollah Remains a Dangerous Threat to Israel

Yaakov Lappin
April 26, 2020
Paper No. 1540

The coronavirus pandemic has turned into a serious challenge for the Iran-backed Lebanese terror organization Hezbollah, placing the world’s most heavily equipped non-state armed group under strain. Nevertheless, recent reports indicate that these conditions have not stopped Hezbollah’s ongoing military and terrorist activity in the region.

Turkey and Coronavirus: Divided We Stand

Burak Bekdil
April 23, 2020
Paper No. 1539

The Erdoğan government in Turkey has banned fundraising efforts to fight the coronavirus in municipalities controlled by the opposition. It has frozen the bank accounts of the city of Istanbul and of soup kitchens, shut down hastily constructed coronavirus field hospitals, and cut off free bread distribution—all in opposition-controlled areas. The pandemic has forcefully reminded Turks how divided they remain—a division that is stopping them from coming together to stem a potential catastrophe that is national, not ideological.

Israel Is Fighting Spies at Home While It Battles Coronavirus

Dr. Edy Cohen
April 22, 2020
Paper No. 1538

While most of the world is focused on combating the coronavirus, Israel is fighting both the virus and terrorism. Israel’s enemies are exploiting the instability caused by the pandemic in a variety of ways. In the past week alone, Gaza-based terrorist organization Hamas fired a barrage of rockets into southern Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah infiltrated Israel’s airspace with a drone from the Golan Heights. Part of the efforts of terrorist organizations bent on Israel’s destruction is the recruitment of Israeli Arab spies.

Coronavirus, Security, and the Cyber-Order

The coronavirus crisis represents an opportunity to analyze the concept of security beyond military might. The pandemic, which resembles a form of biological warfare, is being accompanied by incessant cyberattacks, and most countries are showing themselves unable to tackle asymmetric threats effectively. International cooperation on internet governance will not be easy. In December 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a Russian-backed resolution on fighting cybercrime. The debate on cyber governance will highlight differences between Western and non-Western countries and complicate the post-coronavirus order.

Coronavirus: A Sputnik Moment for Science Education

The coronavirus pandemic has tragically revealed the shortcomings of many institutions, but it has also exposed how poorly science and technology education have shaped the understanding of both policymakers and the public. Like the Sputnik satellite launch in 1957, the coronavirus pandemic is an opportunity to transform science and technology education—but powerful institutional and cultural forces are working against such a goal.

The Fauda Effect: Israeli Active Defense on the Screen

Strategically, Israel’s fundamental military premise is defensive but its tactics are offensive—a result of its geography and absence of territorial depth. Israeli decision-making has always been driven by the active defense ethos, and this is reflected in Israeli filmmaking and TV-making.

Coronavirus Is Hitting Russia on More than the Economy

The coronavirus pandemic is causing Russia fundamental problems and putting its entire political system under intense scrutiny. As the death rate rises across its far-flung territories, troubles between Moscow and the regions are increasing. The crisis is prompting questions about the recent set of proposed constitutional changes, and the economy is likely to experience deep shocks—particularly when the effects of the pandemic are combined with those of the recent oil price war with Saudi Arabia.

Why Coronavirus Hasn’t Stopped Iranian Aggression

In sum and substance, Iran has a clear objective, a strategy, and the willingness to invest and take risks to fulfill it. The US demonstrates exactly the opposite in every respect. Thanks to its unswervable focus and determination even in the face of calamity, the Islamic Republic's march through the Middle East is likely unstoppable.

Perspectives Papers