Yuval Steinitz
Yuval SteinitzFlash 90

Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz says the current lockdown should have been implemented two months ago to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

"I marvel at the Minister of Health. When I spoke of a tight lockdown two months ago he said we should not do it. I criticize all of us, including the health system and not necessarily the Minister. The health system had to see the writing on the wall," Steinitz said in an interview with Kan Bet.

When asked about reports that members of the prime minister's staff who accompanied him to Washington last week had violated quarantine procedures, Steinitz said: “I do not know what exactly happened. It could have been wrong. What is wrong is that hundreds of thousands of elderly people sit alone at home on the eve of the holiday and suddenly see a meal of 400 people in front of Balfour st. or hundreds celebrating at sea, it is a disgrace."

On the continuation of the demonstrations despite the closure, he said, "I am in favor of allowing the ability to protest - in the media, on the Internet, in a protest vigil with 5-10 people. No one is blocking an opinion here. So for 3 weeks the rules will be observed. But rights are restricted" during the lockdown.

Steinitz also said he would vote for a reduction in the salaries of MKs and ministers. "I will support a reduction in salaries. The ministers and MKs will reduce their salaries as a personal example. Its economic importance is nil, but it has importance in the message it sends to the public."