Israel's cabinet approves restrictive outline to reopen flights
Despite initial gov't decision, transportation min. lowers cap for entrees from 3,000 to 1,000 daily
Israel’s Corona Cabinet approved the new outline for reopening air travel to and from the country beginning March 7, allowing for thousands of stranded citizens to return home, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement Tuesday.
However, as the authority over the subject was handed to Transportation Minister Miri Regev, she lowered the entry limit from 3,000 per day to 1,000 -- the reason being, according to outlet Ynet, to dodge the blame in case new coronavirus mutations entered the country.
The cabinet convened earlier in the afternoon to deliberate the outline formulated by the National Security Council.
However, Hebrew media reported that the Health Ministry rejected many of the body’s proposals, demanding a tougher outline.
Under the new guidelines, 3,000 entrees per day were expected to be permitted, with the vaccinated getting an exemption from isolation but still needing to test for Covid-19.
Those unvaccinated will be required to wear an electronic bracelet -- or be admitted to a “coronavirus hotel” -- as well as download an Israel Police app that will notify the police of their location.
As for exiting the country, vaccinated individuals will be able to leave according to a capacity limit determined by the Transportation Minister, while also adhering to Health Ministry terms. Unvaccinated individuals will be required to apply for a special authorization granted by an exception committee.
Related content:
While the government attributed its strict air travel policy to eschewing pandemic risks, a government watchdog, the Israel Democracy Institute, labeled the country’s entry restrictions on its own citizens as one of the most strident in the world.