Netanyahu: ‘There will be no lockdown during Passover’

(I24) Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Saturday “there will be no lockdown during Passover,” speaking to broadcaster Channel 13 less than two weeks ahead of the general vote on March 23.

The Jewish holiday of Passover begins on March 27.

“Unless a new [vaccine resistant] variant arrives within a few days, we will not impose a lockdown and when the children ask the question that is in the Haggadah, ‘how is this night different from the others?’ you can answer them: ‘we are vaccinated’,” the Israeli premier jested, referring to a famous proverb traditionally read during the Passover meal.

Netanyahu’s remarks come in the wake of coronavirus cases plummeting in the country, and despite some concerns voiced by Health Ministry officials who urged caution.

As the government eased lockdown restrictions, the mass vaccination campaign has enabled the country to reopen its economy in most sectors. Last week, bars, restaurants, sports halls, colleges, cultural venues and hotels resumed their activity.

The government is due to meet this week to discuss easing additional measures regarding the number of people allowed to meet in closed spaces and the opening of amusement parks.

The question of mandatory mask wearing in open spaces was also raised by health experts over the week but it remains unclear whether that would be deliberated by the cabinet.