Netanyahu: We’re doing everything we can to avoid nationwide lockdown

Netanyahu says the government is still hoping to fend off a full nationwide closure, and promises new steps in the next 48 hours to “flatten the curve” of new infections.

“We are doing everything to avoid a full lockdown,” says Netanyahu, but adds this requires public discipline.

“We must transform the directions of the Health Ministry into a way of life,” he says.

“Change your way of life,” adds Netanyahu. “Don’t be tempted to evade the restrictions.”

He cites reports of a young American man who was infected, said he thought it was all a conspiracy, and acknowledged, before he died, that he was wrong. “The conspiracy industry exists in Israel, too,” he laments.

He castigates “representatives” who have called for civil rebellion against the guidelines, and calls this deserving of the fullest condemnation.

He says “we’re also working on a long-term plan for the safe reopening of the economy, so we can deal with the coronavirus for all long as necessary — six months, a year, even more than a year.”

Netanyahu also condemns close-packed protests, including a demonstration outside his home, as a “real danger” to public health.

“People are getting infected at these protests because they are not keeping their distance, and then infecting others; it’s a disaster, simply a disaster,” he says.

He also condemns “violence against police and against citizens” at these demonstrations. “We must not deteriorate into internal hatred. We mustn’t go there. We have to deepen the unity, protect the home, and together we will fight corona and beat it.”