Netanyahu: "We are in a state of emergency, we will impose more restrictions - beyond what we decided""

July 5, 2020   

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today (Sunday) at the beginning of the government meeting that, following the increase in morbidity, there is an intention to impose additional restrictions on the public. Previously, discussions were held between the ministers of the limited Corona Cabinet in an attempt to reach agreements on the issue before the government meeting. Among other things, the ministers are discussing limiting the number of customers in restaurants to 50 diners, as the Ministry of Health requires for events in halls, bars, clubs and synagogues. Finance Minister Israel Katz claimed that restaurants can be careful to make reservations in advance - and to maintain distance - and therefore it is possible to focus on enforcement in these places and not bring about closures and significant reductions in the catering industry. Netanyahu said at the beginning of the government meeting: "We will be required to take additional steps beyond what the Corona Cabinet decided. We will reassess our situation and the necessary steps." The Prime Minister warned: "We are in the midst of a renewed Corona attack. A very strong outbreak that is rising and spreading in the world and in our country. "The World Health Organization has designated the Middle East as the epicenter of the global outbreak - and this does not spare Israel. This outbreak will be accompanied by a doubling of the number of seriously ill patients, which will challenge the health system." At the same time, Netanyahu announced steps to address the economic crisis. "In the coming days, we will present a special economic plan. This is a major task for me and for the government.".

At 1:00 PM, the Knesset's Corona Committee will convene to approve the new restrictions, which the government decided on Thursday.