The Israeli force on Wednesday vowed to be “far heavier” in enforcing strict coronavirus restrictions, which take effect midnight Thursday, using about 5,000 police officers and roadblocks across Israel.
The tight restrictions are expected to last for at least two weeks, after the third Israeli lockout imposed last month effectively halted the escalation of new cases.
Police in Tel Aviv carry out Israeli’s third nationwide lockout
(Photo: Reuters)
At a preparatory meeting on Wednesday, the head of the Israeli Police operational unit, Commander Yishai Shalom, said police will place dozens of checkpoints on interurban roads to effectively enforce the travel ban.
At the close closure all educational establishments will be closed except special education; gatherings will be allowed for up to five people indoors and up to 10 people outdoors, only essential works may continue, all professional sporting activities will be suspended, the public will be banned from traveling more than a kilometer from their homes. and are barred from entering dwellings in which they do not live.
Shalom said about 15 checkpoints will be in use across the country between 7am and 7pm, with 25 working between 7pm and 11pm, and 12 between 11pm and 7am each day.
“We will take action against those who are a long way from their homes,” Shalom said.
The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv is empty during the third closure
(Photo: Moti Kimchi)
“Those who think that the police are not coercing [the restrictions] completely wrong… this time we will be much heavier, ”said Shalom.
He said officials would try to enforce the law in ultra-orthodox areas, which often suffer from the highest levels of disease due to the community’s willingness to adhere to restrictions.
However, he said, “you don’t see police officers inside schools or synagogues.”
Buyers in Netanya run into stocks before Israel’s third lockout begins
(Photo: AFP)
Shalom’s comments came after acting Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai removed several officers from their posts after they were caught turning a blind eye to an illegal wedding with thousands of guests in a religious settlement that ‘West Bank of Beitar Illit.
In preparation for the closure, Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered an increase in police practice in cities, clinics and hospitals.
The defense center will also prepare to restrict the entry of Palestinian workers from the West Bank, except those working in essential industries.