A top Health Ministry official may be forced to resign over alleged violations of coronavirus-related restrictions, Channel 12 News reported Wednesday.
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein ordered an inquiry into the incident in which ministry Deputy Director Prof. Itamar Grotto apparently exempted billionaire Teddy Sagi from the mandatory 14-day quarantine after flying into Israel from Cyprus in his private jet last week.
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Sagi, the founder of the gambling software company Playtech, then attended a party in Tel Aviv – an action in violation of the mandatory quarantine directive for which he should have been fined 5,000 shekels ($1,450). However, when contacted by the Health Ministry, Sagi claimed that he had been given a special exemption by Grotto.
It has since been confirmed that Grotto had indeed given Sagi an exemption.
"This was a grave error in judgment and an investigation will be held on the matter," the ministry said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Sagi told reporters, "Sagi entered Israel according to the law and acted lawfully in accordance with the instructions that he received."
Still, many castigated Grotto for "violating the public's trust," and outgoing Health Ministry Director Moshe Bar Siman-Tov hinted his deputy may have to resign over the scandal.
Edelstein instructed Bar Siman-Tov "to look into the matter with all the disciplinary tools at his disposal," saying he expects to receive answers by Friday.
The minister noted that "during a time when there is a great deal of effort to make sure the public both understands the importance of, and complies with, the Health Ministry's guidelines, and when we call for increased enforcement, no exemptions from the quarantine directives which would endanger public health can be allowed.
"This was a serious violation of public trust and a grave error in judgment. I will not forgive such cases," Edelstein stated.
On Thursday, Israel Hayom learned that Grotto will face a disciplinary hearing next week, after which his professional future in the Health Ministry will be determined.
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