Jerusalem (AFP)
Israeli authorities announced on Wednesday a ban on French nationals and nationals of several other European countries from entering their territory, unless they have a permanent place of residence in Israel, in order to avoid the spread of the new coronavirus.
"Nationals of these countries will not be able to enter Israeli territory unless they prove that they have a place to quarantine themselves," the Israeli health ministry said in a statement, citing France, the Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland among these countries.
Restrictions had already been imposed on Italy, the largest source of the epidemic in Europe, and on many Asian countries, prompting the Israeli authorities to send many travelers home after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport. Tel Aviv and to cancel air connections.
Israelis returning from France and other European countries will be able to return to Israel but will have to remain in isolation, at home, for 14 days, said the authorities, which have so far identified 15 cases of infection with the new coronavirus on their territory. .
"We are in a better situation than other countries because from the start I have given instructions to act to the maximum and not to the minimum. We have taken strict, very strict measures, to slow the spread of the disease in Israel "said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Unlike other countries, we have also opted for a policy of isolation and thorough testing," added the Prime Minister in his first press conference since the victory of his party, Likud, in the legislative elections on Monday. .
Along with Italy and Germany, France is one of the main sources of the new coronavirus in Europe.
About 150,000 French people are established in Israel, many of whom have dual nationality.
The Israeli authorities had already urged their nationals to avoid travel abroad in order to avoid contamination with the coronavirus.
"We are following what is happening in the United States," said Moshe Bar Siman Tov, director of the Ministry of Health, on Wednesday, stressing that the extent of the epidemic was not yet known in this country, a great ally of the Hebrew state.
© 2020 AFP