The special ministerial forum on the coronavirus crisis decided Wednesday to lift one of the most controversial restrictions currently in place as part of the ongoing nationwide lockdown, allowing Israel's only major international airport to return to full capacity.
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The lockdown, which has entered its third week, currently means that it is illegal for Israelis to fly abroad unless their airline ticket was purchased before the lockdown came into effect or if they hold a foreign passport. But the decision on Wednesday means that come Friday, Israelis would be able to fly at will abroad.
The move does not affect the required quarantine that applies to Israelis upon their return from most countries. Also, some countries still do not let Israelis in or require proof of a negative coronavirus test.
The move to reopen the airport at full capacity comes after intense pressure. Some in the tourism industry have even threatened to take the government to court over the matter, claiming that there was no overwhelming epidemiological rationale for the restrictions on the flights.
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