Jerusalem Minister Rafi Peretz says he has tested positive for the coronavirus, Israel’s second minister to be diagnosed after Housing Minister Yaakov Litzman, who was health minister at the time.
“As Shabbat ended, unfortunately it became clear that I tested positive in a test conducted on Friday. I currently feel well and wish all of Israel’s sick a speedy recovery,” Peretz writes in a statement.
Rafi Peretz, then-leader of the Jewish Home party, in Petah Tikva, February 20, 2019. (Gili Yaari/Flash90)
Peretz has been in quarantine since Thursday, when his ministry’s director-general Avi Cohen tested positive.
Additionally, three lawmakers from the ruling Likud party have entered self-isolation after meeting a party activist who has since tested positive.
Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen, MKs Avi Dichter and Osnat Mark and at least three advisers have been quarantined.
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