Coronavirus: Reinforced containment enters into force in Israel
A Tel Aviv market closed after new restrictions imposed by the Israeli government to combat the spread of the coronavirus on September 25, 2020. AP Photo / Oded Balilty
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2 min
A tough lockdown went into effect Friday at 2 p.m. in Israel, in the midst of Yom Kippur, the most sacred of Jewish holidays.
The Knesset, however, did not give the green light to an amendment to the law that would have limited protests during this period.
Prime Minister Netanyahu now wants to try to achieve this result by using emergency decrees.
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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,
Michel Paul
“Bibi Ciao,” sings
a group of demonstrators in front of the residence
of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
For at least 16 days, the confinement will be reinforced.
Restrictions have been taken in particular for prayers, but the government coalition has failed to agree at this stage on limiting demonstrations.
“
I live in this neighborhood and we have been suffering for months.
Especially on the Sabbath day.
These manifestations must be limited.
Especially during this period of confinement.
And also for the police, the poor.
They work very hard,
”explains actor and filmmaker Emanuel Rund, who does not hide his disappointment.
From this evening and like every week, convoys of demonstrators will march through the small streets of Rechavia, one of the usually most peaceful neighborhoods in Jerusalem.
Nothing will stop us, proclaims retired General Amir Haskel, one of the organizers of the anti-Netanyahu movement.
“
I am optimistic.
It's not going to break us.
The situation is such that even if there is now a two-week break, we will wait and then continue until he leaves,
”said the former soldier.
"
The reinforced containment is there to stop the spread of the virus, and
not to prevent demonstrations
", recalled for his part Benny Gantz, the Deputy Prime Minister.
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Coronavirus
Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu
Confinement
Health and medicine
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