Following are Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's remarks, today (Sunday, 19 July 2021), at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting:

 

"The Delta pandemic is continuing to spread quickly around the world. This mutation is much more contagious than its predecessors. The world is being colored red.

 

“Our goal as the Government of Israel is to safeguard life and daily routines.

 

“The government has already taken various steps: The main action is in providing strong and tightened protection, especially for the elderly and those who are vulnerable in retirement homes and geriatric hospitals. We are maintaining a continuous supply of vaccines and are stepping up enforcement.

 

“At the moment, there are over a million Israelis who could get vaccinated and have yet to do so. Whoever does not get vaccinated is endangering himself, his family, his friends, the livelihood of those around him and the opening of the school year.

 

“Therefore, I call on all of these one million citizens who have yet to get vaccinated: Go today and get vaccinated. There are enough vaccines for everyone. Go today, this is your civic duty. This is how we will protect ourselves.

 

“The vaccine is significantly effective in reducing infection and in easing the disease for those who still get infected, but the vaccine alone is not enough.

 

“The second thing – wear masks in closed places. Understand that the vaccines alone will not beat the Delta mutation. Masks alone will not beat the Delta mutation. Masks plus vaccines will beat the Delta mutation.

 

“The third thing – the older citizens among us, who are in their homes, are again in a vulnerable situation, so watch them. Watch grandfather and grandmother. This is a requirement, not a recommendation. As of Wednesday, arrival to events, weddings and bar mitzvahs will be possible for people who have been vaccinated, to those who have recovered and to those who bring confirmation of a negative coronavirus test. This is a requirement, not a recommendation. Maintain quarantine – this is a requirement, not a recommendation. These are the requirements of a citizen and we will insist on them.

 

“Alongside this, the government is taking all necessary actions. We are now preparing in advance an orderly plan for the coming period, until the school year. Soon we will announce everything in an orderly manner, without last-minute directives so that everyone will have time to prepare.

 

“Our main goal is to smoothly open the school year. We endured a year in which education was the first thing to be hurt and we saw millions of pupils who paid the price and faded in front of Zoom at home.

 

“The goal of the actions that we are now taking is to assist us in opening the school year as normal.

 

“Therefore, the arrangement is simple. The citizens will honor the directives and we, as the Government of Israel, will plan ahead and carry out the necessary actions.

 

“Muslim and Druze citizens of Israel, on behalf of the Government of Israel, I would like to greet you on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, which begins tomorrow.

 

“Alongside the joy of the holiday, I also request caution. I call on all those who are celebrating, who have to get vaccinated, to do so today, and wear masks.

 

“On behalf of the Government of Israel, I would also like to wish a happy holiday to the citizens of the countries of the region, our neighbors, especially Egypt, Jordan, the UAE – which opened an embassy in Israel last week, Bahrain – which will send an ambassador to Israel soon, Morocco and Sudan. I wish you all a happy holiday.

 

“A final word to our friends in Germany and Belgium, who are currently experiencing an unbearable natural disaster. On behalf of the Government and citizens of Israel, I would like to convey our condolences over the loss of life and widespread devastation. Of course, Israel is ready to render such assistance as may be requested.

 

“The issue of climate change is indeed a global problem. The Government of Israel regards it as such and soon, in this context, we will suggest actions to be carried out. 

 

“Thank you and have a good week."

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