An unprecedented argument between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz erupted during a government discussion on Thursday night, in which it was decided to extend the coronavirus lockdown until Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m.
Once the lockdown is lifted, it will be allowed to leave one’s home for a distance of more than 1,000 meters, the ban on staying in another person's residence will be lifted, workplaces will reopen without receiving customers, "one-on-one" treatments will be allowed and restaurants will be able to offer take away. In addition, B&Bs for nuclear families will be opened.
The government will convene again on Sunday to discuss the outline for the resumption of studies in schools. A discussion on the layout for the full exit from the lockdown will be held next week.
During Thursday night’s discussion, Netanyahu attacked Gantz for his opposition to extending the lockdown despite the high number of cases in Israel.
Netanyahu told Gantz: "The strategy of you and of your special adviser, Sefi Shaked, is to open as much as possible. Gantz wants as many serious cases as possible for the election. You are condemning many Israelis to hard death. We understand this game."
Gantz responded to Netanyahu: "Do not tell me stories, do not teach me anything about human life."
Netanyahu: "The blood of many Israelis will be on your hands."
Gantz: "I have been protecting the lives of the citizens of Israel my entire life, you should be ashamed of yourself, I will not forgive you."
After the government voted in favor of extending the lockdown, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit intervened and overturned the decision, saying the decision could not pass because according to the coalition agreement, the vote needs to be based on blocs and not based on the number of ministers in the government.
Deputy Attorney General Raz Nizri told ministers: "This mechanism has not yet been determined due to political disagreements. The position of the Attorney General is that when each bloc votes for something different it means that the decision has not been passed. Prime Minister, do not bring us all into chaos. Everyone here is responsible for this."