"} 7a:{"position":28,"content":"

“I understand my responsibility to navigate the education system I am in charge of so that it will assist in the national effort to create a full, inclusive and complete closure,” Gallant said. “In the presentation I presented to you and in what I said, I made it clear that schools and educational institutions are not a source of infection... Despite this, if Israeli students study extensively, a general closure will not be possible,” he continued. “This is what we have witnessed in recent weeks.”

"} 7b:{"position":29,"content":"

As such, he said that he would agree to “harness the entire education system for the national need of curbing the spread of the pandemic.” He also asked that the lockdown be used to vaccinate educational staff so they will be on the road to immunity when the closure is lifted.

"} 7c:{"position":30,"content":"

“We must explain to the public that this closure does not correct past mistakes,” stressed Science and Technology Minister Izhar Shay. “It addresses the possible danger of the British mutation and the catastrophe that could occur here in a few weeks if not for the preventative measures we are discussing tonight. The public must understand the danger and cooperate as much as it can.”

"} 7d:{"position":31,"content":"

He also asked that the next two weeks be used to formulate an exit strategy from the third lockdown.

"} 7e:{"position":32,"content":"

Only MK Dudi Amsalem voted against the closure.

"} 7f:{"position":33,"content":"

So far, 1.5 million people have been vaccinated. The health funds are now focused on preparing to wind down phase one of the country’s vaccination campaign and provide medical personnel, the elderly and those with preexisting conditions their second dose of the vaccine in the coming weeks.

"} 80:{"position":34,"content":"

It is expected that for Israel to reach herd immunity, that at least

Coronavirus lockdown to begin Thursday at midnight and last two weeks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We are in a state of emergency."

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