In a special televised address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israelis to put their differences aside and join forces to defeat the coronavirus pandemic, a day before Israel's second nationwide lockdown was to take effect.
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"We have decided to take these essential steps because of the rise in morbidity," he said, referring to the almost-complete shutdown of Israel's economy and the major restrictions on Israelis' movement for the next two weeks.
"These measures are not easy, but saving lives trumps everything, this is a national emergency and we are fighting a protracted war, the Corona War, fighting for our economy and our health, and our lives," he continued.
Netanyahu lambasted the opposition for second guessing his intentions and saying the lockdown was designed to prevent protests by those who want him to step down over corruption allegations, saying it was "surreal" that people, including "populist politicians," insisted on continuing the weekly demonstrations near his residence while flouting social distancing and hence increasing community spread of COVID-19.
Lockdown measures are expected to begin Friday and run through Oct. 10. They are also expected to be more severe than those imposed during Israel's first closure, in March.
The Finance Ministry's chief economist said Wednesday that a massive suspension of economic activity through mid-October would likely cost Israel some NIS 35 billion (over $10 billion).
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