The Knesset on Sunday approved the bill to increase fines for individuals who restricted public health restrictions from NIS 5,000 to NIS 10,000, paving the way for the expansion of the lock nationwide.
The Blue & White party has backed its support for extending the current lock on the bill into law. The move has been strongly opposed by the ultra-direct parties after it emerged that the legislation will have a disproportionate impact on the Haredi region, which will severely dismantle the restrictions.
Plenum Knesset
(Photo: Knesset PR)
“I welcome the fact that, having endless efforts to postpone the debate in every way possible, we are now debating the law that will allow greater enforcement and co-operation. equality against a minority that harms the whole community and endangers its health, “Defense Minister Benny Gantz said at the plenum.
Minister of defense benny gantz
(Photo: Knesset Channel)
“I hear there are MKs who say that this is a law that targets the ultra-direct Arabs or the Arabs. I’m telling you it’s not aimed at ultra-direct Arabs or Arabs, it’s a law designed to save lives, ”said Gantz.
Some lawyers suggested not extending the existing lock across the country, rather than imposing a different closure based on the individual level of infection in each community.
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, who also took the plenum stand, added to the proposal.
“In the current situation, there is no way we can change to a different closure,” Edelstein said. “Currently only 9% of urban areas in Israel are green. I have heard interesting suggestions to open education in the green areas, but the question is that most of them do not have schools, because they are in the mostly kibbutzim and moshavim. or green cities in Israel. “
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein at the plenum
(Photo: Knesset Channel )
The cabinet is expected to meet later in the afternoon to discuss a 10-day lockout extension, which would include the closure of Ben Gurion Airport.
Ahead of the cabinet meeting, Likud MK and Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin dismissed Gantz, citing the issuance of an ultimatum and demanded that the plenum gather on Thursday, when a day off as usual often, to consider raising the fines.
“[Gantz] he decided to hold the citizens of Israel and the Knesset by the neck by saying that it would stop the decision on exclusion, “Levin said.” The government does not have to stamp on the Knesset in this way because of political disagreement within the government. “