Knesset panel meets to approve extension of government’s emergency virus powers

The Knesset Law, Constitution and Justice Committee convenes to approve the government’s extension of emergency powers placing strict restrictions on gatherings during the current nationwide coronavirus lockdown, including limiting the protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

MKs are discussing whether to approve the extension of the emergency measures, which under legislation passed earlier came into force without initial Knesset approval, until Tuesday.

Opposition lawmakers slam the closure of small businesses as part of the lockdown measures.

“There was no reason to close them,” says Yesh Atid MK Karine Elharar.

Meanwhile, the committee’s chairman, United Torah Judaism MK Yaakov Asher, criticizes coronavirus czar Ronni Gamzu’s “traffic light” plan.

The plan, which was approved by the government but never implemented, calls for imposing local lockdowns in areas with high infection rates. Ultra-Orthodox politicians have been highly critical of the plan, claiming it discriminates against their communities, many of which have seen some of the highest infection rates in the country.

It is supposed to be used for managing the pandemic when the lockdown measures are lifted.

“We need to bring a practical plan of action with an economic response for the citizens of the cities in which restrictions will be imposed, and if there isn’t a plan [for the economy] but only slogans, [the traffic light plan] won’t be anymore,” Asher is quoted saying by Channel 12 news.