As Netanyahu Heads To U.S., Israel Goes Back Into Covid-19 Lockdown

Topline

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced protests on Sunday after his cabinet reimposed a coronavirus lockdown shortly before he left for a trip to the United States, with protesters accusing him of “campaigning” in the U.S. as the nation struggles to contain the virus.

Key Facts

Key Background

Travel between the U.S. and Israel is currently heavily restricted. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control have a level 3 travel advisory in place for Israel, asserting that the “COVID-19 risk in Israel is high” and recommending travelers “avoid all nonessential international travel to Israel.” The state department urges Americans to “reconsider travel to Israel,” noting that “an entry ban on all foreigners, including U.S. citizens, remains in place.”

Chief Critic

“The people are collapsing and the defendant [Netanyahu], who fails to manage the crisis, closes the country and runs away,” protest group Crime Minister said on Saturday. “We will not forgive the defendant for the economic and health catastrophe as a result of political and survival considerations at the expense of the public.”

What To Watch For

Netanyahu and his staff will reportedly be held to extremely strict measures during their three-day trip to the U.S. According to the Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu staffers will only be allowed to fly if they test negative for coronavirus and will be required to wear masks and social distance on the flight. Staff and reporters will all lodge in the same hotel and will not be allowed to travel in D.C., and will return to Israel promptly after an official signing ceremony at the White House on Tuesday has concluded.

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