(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Foreign Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz held an additional discussion on easing the coronavirus restrictions, with the participation of Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov, today (Sunday, 20 February 2022).
Prime Minister Bennett:
"We are seeing a steady decline in the morbidity data; therefore, this is the time to gradually open what we were the first in the world to close.
“Our indicators must be in sync with the situation on the ground; what we are telling the public must be in sync with what is expected of it.
“In order to maintain the public's trust and be certain that the citizens of Israel are implementing the directives and the government's decision, we must open up as the situation improves – and it is improving significantly.
“At the moment, the situation in Israel is good. This is the result of correct and dynamic management; therefore, we are now opening up.
“At the same time, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and in the event of a new variant, we will again act quickly."
The decisions are as follows:
- Foreign tourism – Tourists of all ages will be permitted to enter Israel, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, subject to undergoing two PCR tests (prior to departure and after landing in Israel).
- Entry of Israeli nationals:
- The requirement to undergo an antigen test before boarding the plane is cancelled. Israeli nationals entering Israel will only be required to undergo a PCR test upon arriving in Israel.
- Unvaccinated Israelis will no longer be required to quarantine subject to the negative results from the PCR test at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
The decisions will take effect on Tuesday, 1 March 2022.
- Education:
- Middle schools – Weekly tests will be cancelled as of Thursday, 24 February 2022.
- Primary schools – Weekly tests will be cancelled as of Thursday, 10 March 2022.
Participating in the discussion were the Health Ministry Director General, the national coronavirus project manager, the Director of the Public Health Service, the Deputy Director of the National Security Council, the Finance Ministry Accountant General, the Defense Ministry Director of Civil Defense and additional Finance, Tourism and Education ministry professionals.