Israeli Cabinet approves stricter lockdown for two weeks

Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza are dealing with a renewed coronavirus outbreak, leading to proposals and measures intended to curb its spread and mitigate the crisis's economic ramifications by both Israeli and Palestinian authorities.

The coronavirus cabinet requested the plan, which considers the space offered by the Paris Square area and nearby streets, and requires demonstrators to break off into groups of 20, by the new lockdown measures approved earlier this morning.

The tighter restrictions, which go into effect on Friday, significantly limit protests. They will only be able to be held a kilometer from the demonstrator's home, and in groups of 20, with two meters between each participant. It will allow police to disperse demonstrations more quickly and to hand out fines of 1,000 shekels (about $290) to those who refuse.

On September 18, Israel began its second quarantine period this year. The first one was in effect from March to May, but after lifting most restrictions, the number of coronavirus infection cases resumed in the country. On June 6, the country registered 160 infections, on July 2 - about 1 thousand, on August 5 - more than 2 thousand, on September 17 - more than 6 thousand, while on September 23 - about 7 thousand.