Will a full lockdown be imposed over Independence Day? The scenario is certainly a possibility, as officials from the Israel National Security Council have begun mulling which steps to implement during Remembrance Day for the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism and Independence Day.
As of now, the direction is to prohibit large gatherings that could spark another outbreak of the coronavirus.
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In all likelihood, during Memorial Day bereaved families will not be allowed to visit the graves of their loved ones. Additionally, ceremonies will be conducted without audiences, similar to Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Defense officials noted that Defense Minister Naftali Bennett is inclined to calling on the general public and bereaved families to avoid visiting cemeteries with the aim of preventing public gatherings, but likely will not enforce it with an official decree. Bereaved families can visit cemeteries in the coming days in order to prevent large crowds on Memorial Day.
In preliminary talks, a special emphasis has been put on Independence Day events. As of now, it appears a nationwide lockdown will be imposed, similar to the Passover holiday, which will be enforced in parks, places of leisure and stores. Upon conclusion of the discussions on the professional level, recommendations will be passed on to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who will then convene the cabinet for a final decision.
"The recommendations from the various sides will be brought before the government, which will decide on the matter," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
"This is a sensitive and complex subject, which due to its importance many discussions have been held in order to reach a decision without causing another outbreak of the coronavirus in Israel. We share in the pain of the families and hold them close in their difficult hour. As a bereaved brother, Prime Minister Netanyahu understands the immense significance of visiting our fallen loved ones on Memorial Day, and with that he also knows that everything must be done to prevent another outbreak."
As a reminder, the IDF said it will not hold its annual Independence Day flyover throughout the country in order to prevent large gatherings. With that, the Israel Air Force Aerobatic Team will perform a symbolic flyover consisting of four planes, which will fly over hospitals in Israel in a show of solidarity with the medical professionals battling the coronavirus.
