Jerusalem (AFP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who plays his political future on Monday in a tight-lined legislative election, called on people to vote despite fear of the new coronavirus.
"This corona (virus) case is completely under control. People can vote with confidence," Netanyahu said after placing his ballot in the ballot box in a Jerusalem office.
So far, ten cases of new coronavirus have been confirmed in Israel.
On Monday, the authorities planned specific polling stations for around 5,600 Israelis identified as having come into contact with people infected or having traveled to countries affected by the epidemic.
In one of its offices in Jerusalem, voters came to the dropper, their faces camouflaged by a mask, in front of officials in protective suits giving science scenes a sci-fi look.
Authorities are concerned, however, that "fake news" about the new coronavirus will cause voters not to vote.
The latest polls place the Likud (right) of Mr. Netanyahu, charged since November for corruption in a series of cases, and the party "Blue White" of his rival Benny Gantz to a virtual number equality, hence the importance of the results of their respective allies.
The Likud bet on good results from the ultra-Orthodox parties and the radical right, while the "Blue White" party bet on the left, to each rally a majority in Parliament.
Hence the importance of participation in this poll after elections in April and September in 2019 which had failed to decide between the parties of MM. Netanyahu and Gantz.
© 2020 AFP