Archive for month: July, 2020

News Update

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The Health Ministry reported 1,573 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. There are currently 22,704 active cases, of which 195 are in serious condition and 56 on ventilators. There have been 375 coronavirus related deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said today that as the virus numbers continue to rise, the country was almost certainly headed for another lockdown. Edelstein rejected criticism that the government had not taken steps to prepare for the second wave of coronavirus spread or that a lockdown would be an admission of failure on the part of authorities, claiming a lockdown is a measure to be taken in order to bring the number of daily infections down.

On Tuesday, Defense Minister Benny Gantz blocked the recommendation of the National Security Council (NSC) to impose further restrictions within days if numbers of cases continue to rise. The PM reportedly blamed Gantz for hampering the government’s efforts to control the virus spread because of political considerations.

Thousands of protesters carrying torches attempted to break into the PM’s compound in Jerusalem last night. The demonstrators have staged a sit-in outside PM Netanyahu’s official residence in Jerusalem for the past month, calling on him to resign while facing corruption charges. The protestors waved black flags, which they say symbolize the death of Israel’s democracy during Netanyahu’s tenure as PM, and shouting, “Bibi, go home” and “This is our country, no Netanyahu’s”.

Housing Minister Yaakov Litzman presented a detailed plan to make it easier for first time home buyers to purchase homes in the Galilee and the Negev. The plan calls for grants, increased mortgages and better infrastructure and transportation.

News Update

To listen to an audio version click here. (for supporters)

The Health Ministry reported 1,206 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. There are currently 38,670 active cases, of which 151 are in serious condition and 47 on ventilators. There have been 362 coronavirus related deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz today called on the government to impose a 10-day nationwide lockdown that would still permit people to continue working. Israelis are currently banned from visiting Europe because of Israel’s higher infection rate. Steinitz said that being disconnected from Europe and the rest of the world for several months will damage “the basic mechanisms of the economy.” He said, “Aerial disconnection from the world is financially dangerous. Sometimes it is better to make it difficult for ourselves for two weeks in order to make it easier for the rest of the year.”

The Palestinian Authority has imposed a night-time and weekend curfew on PA controlled areas for the coming 14 days to stop the spread of the virus.

The government on Sunday approved a new financial rescue package for self-employed workers and businesses effected by the coronavirus crisis. The Finance Ministry said that grants of up to NIS 7,500 ($2,250) will be transferred to self-employed workers and business owners whose revenue declined due to the economic consequences of the crisis. The statement also said that Israelis who were eligible to receive previous grants and have yet to receive or file for them, will receive them alongside the newly-approved aid.

Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi signed an agreement with the Thai government today to facilitate the entrance of 25,000 agricultural workers into Israel from Thailand.

Eli Rozenberg, the son of a US nursing home magnate, is trying to buy El Al Airlines. Rozenberg, who immigrated to Israel several years ago, is in talks with Knafaim, the parent company which holds the stake of the controlling shareholders. Knafaim has so far reportedly rejected his offer.

News Update

The Health Ministry reported 1,464 new coronavirus in the last 24 hours. There are currently 16,561 active cases, of which 124 are in serious condition and 39 on ventilators. The total number of corona related deaths has risen to 350. A partial lockdown will come into effect today on several neighborhoods in Jerusalem, Lod, Ramla, Beit Shemesh, Kiryat Malachi.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein warned that if Israel reaches 2,000 confirmed coronavirus cases a day, the government might have to impose a general lockdown. The PM yesterday admitted that he allowed the reopening of the country too early. He also said that the government would be providing more financial assistance to unemployed workers.