All public and organized group transport into Jerusalem was suspended until Sunday night in an effort to get rid of major riots on the last day of Purim.
Police checkpoints were set up at every entrance to Jerusalem on Saturday afternoon to ensure that large organized groups did not reach the city. However, permission was granted by a private vehicle.
The Ministry of Transport said the new measures were put in place to “prevent expected gatherings for holiday events in Jerusalem because they could be a source of major coronavirus diseases.”
The move comes with an overnight curfew being rolled out across the country for the three-day holiday which is typical at Christmas.
The curfew originally covered a gap that allowed for huge celebrations in the capital and other Haredi cities mostly on the last day of Purim, from which it came under heavy public criticism.
Police have warned a fine of NIS 5,000 was imposed on any carriers suspected of breaching the ban on entry to the capital.
A well-known Hassidic activist said ahead of the holiday that his community would not accept invitations imposed by the government.
“Of course we will [celebrate Shushan Purim] this year. The instructions are not interesting to us. Of course if there were no restrictions it would be much easier. “
Meanwhile, a senior police officer promised that law enforcement would work to ensure compliance with the purim restrictions in the ultra-orthodox sector.
“We set up the emergency and intelligence centers so that we know about each party. Today the fine is up to NIS 10,000,” said Superintendent Assi Aharoni.
On Saturday afternoon, police stopped a massacre Purim street party at the Jaffa flea market, which was attended by hundreds of people protesting against coronavirus restrictions.
Police also said they had detained dozens of prospective Purim parties who were also going to oppose the corps. According to police, 33 suspects were questioned and given warnings.
Israel is still struggling to bring down its disease rates despite a massive vaccine outbreak, with younger patients largely replacing elderly members of the population who had both kicks. .
The Ministry of Health said Sunday morning that 1,429 new coronavirus cases have been diagnosed since Saturday.
There are currently 776 patients in poor condition in Israel, including 241 people connected to air conditioners. Since the outbreak began a pandemic a year ago, Israel has seen 5,738 people die from complications from COVID-19.