Covid-19: in Israel, new restrictions lead to resignation of minister
Protesters outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, Israel, September 26, 2020. EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP
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2 min
Israeli Tourism Minister Asaf Zamir tendered his resignation from the government on Friday, October 2.
This elected member of the centrist party Bleu-Blanc opposed the latest containment measures.
And his departure from the government rekindles tensions between the two main parties that make up the coalition.
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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,
Guilhem Delteil
"
After four and a half months as a member of this government, I regret to say that the coronavirus crisis, and its terrible consequences, are, at best, second on the Prime Minister's list of priorities
", writes Asaf Zamir on Facebook.
For the now ex-Minister of Tourism, it is "
personal and legal considerations
" that come first.
The elected official notably voted against the restrictions imposed this week on the right to demonstrate.
A few minutes later, the leader of his party, Benny Gantz, assured that there was no question for him to resign but he said he understood Asaf Zamir's decision.
“
This is not the government we were hoping for,
” he conceded in a statement.
Without naming him, he also attacks Benjamin Netanyahu, denouncing the absence of "
a leader showing the example
" and a government chaos.
In response, Benyamin Netanyahu's Likud accused Bleu-Blanc of "
acting against the government
" of which the training is part.
"
It's time for them to decide whether they are fighting the disease or whether they are fighting the government
."
Four and a half months after signing an agreement, the two rival formations continue to revolt and tear each other in the public square.
► Read also: Coronavirus: Israel imposes new restrictions, but revised downwards
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Israel
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