But Israeli PM Naftali Bennett said the country could overcome the surging variant if members of the public got “vaccinated, mind the older population and wear masks.”
“It is in our hands to choose whether to act responsibly and have an open and free country, or to stick our head in the sand and – Heaven forbid – bring about endless lockdowns, again,” he said.
Mr Bennett also announced plans to renew Israel’s “Green Pass” restrictions, which include barring unvaccinated people over the age of 12 from entering events of more than 100 people.
The measures, to take effect on 29 July and subject to government approval on Sunday, will not affect those who recovered from Covid-19 or have proof of a recent negative test.
The rule will extend to all closed and open spaces, including places of worship, tourist attractions and restaurants.
And from August 8, unvaccinated people eligible for a jab will have to pay for their Covid-19 tests.
“There is no reason why the taxpayers and people who have carried out their civic duty and have been vaccinated should finance tests for those who refuse to get vaccinated,” Mr Bennett said.
