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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 18, 2020
63% of Israelis say politics driving decisions on lifting lockdown — poll
A decisive majority of Israelis believe the government’s easing of the national coronavirus lockdown is primarily being dictated by political considerations, according to a Channel 12 news poll.
In total, 63 percent of respondents say political factors are mainly driving the exit from the weeks-long lockdown, while 26% believe the considerations are mainly professional.
Asked whether the plans to gradually lift the restrictions will prevent a third lockdown, 59% do not believe it will, and only 21% say it will succeed in helping avoid another national closure.
Most Israelis also disapprove of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the pandemic, with 58% saying he is doing a poor job concerning the coronavirus.