Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, will fly to Washington next week on a private plane, separate from the Israeli delegation, Channel 13 News reported Thursday evening.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates will sign their historic deal normalizing relations at a White House ceremony on Sept. 15.
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According to the report, the purpose of the decision was to ensure that Netanyahu doesn't contract the coronavirus on the flight.
In light of the decision, it appears Israeli carrier Israir Airlines will provide the plane for members of the delegation, who, based on special guidelines, will not have to sequester upon returning to Israel.
The Prime Minister's Office said in response: "Due to concerns that the prime minister will contract the coronavirus on the flight, which will carry more than 70 people, the prime minister was advised by professionals to fly on a separate plane that the State of Israel uses from time to time."
The Likud party said in a statement: "The Left and the media are looking for any excuse to minimize the prime minister's historic achievement and even put his health at risk because they cannot stand that he 'brought peace for peace' rather than 'peace for land.' The Left and the media will continue dealing with nonsense while the prime minister will continue securing tremendous achievements for Israel and making history."
Meanwhile, the reporters following the prime minister will be subject to a severe set of restrictions aimed at minimizing exposure to potential coronaviruses carriers.
The visit will be as short as possible, with the prime minister's plane departing back to Israel immediately after the signing ceremony on Tuesday. All those who fly from Israel to the US will have to prove they had tested negative to the virus before being allowed to board, and they will have to be spaced out in the cabin and wear a facemask through the flight.
The traveling press was also told they would have to lodge at the hotel where Netanyahu will stay and will be banned from leaving it, essentially becoming a bubble.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place Tuesday at noon at the White House, with US President Donald Trump presiding over the event. Netanyahu, the UAE foreign minister, and various other dignitaries will be in attendance.
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