As the number of infections continues to rise again, Israel is threatening a new lockdown. But the new Prime Minister Bennett absolutely wants to stop it. So he relies on restrictions for non-vaccinated people – and third-party vaccinations.

It is the first major test for Naftali Bennett, and Israel’s prime minister has made a commitment: In the fight against a rising number of infections and filling intensive care units, Bennett is determined to avoid a lockdown. “Lockdown is the easiest way. Many people say, ‘Order it. Everything is ready.’ But it will destroy our future. That’s why we chose the hard way: maybe too many individual measures to survive the lockdown. If everything else doesn’t work out it’s our last line of defense.”

Tim Asman
ARD-studio Tel Aviv

Many restrictions under lockdown threshold

In a long and elaborate address, the head of government addressed the Israelis. Bennett promised to protect his health and livelihood. He warned of the economic consequences of the lockdown and further online education for children. Bennett’s strategy includes, among other things, restrictions below the lockdown threshold.

Restaurants, sports, culture – as of this week, many things in Israel are again possible only for those who have been vaccinated, those who have recovered and those who have just tested. The so-called Green Pass is back in everyday life. The obligation to test or provide evidence comes into force from the age of three. From the age of twelve, tests are chargeable. The government plans to test for antibodies in about 1.6 million school children before the start of school from September 1.

to vaccinate, to vaccinate, to vaccinate

However, above all, the Bennett government relies on vaccination: “If the large numbers of Israeli citizens continue to be vaccinated, we will beat the delta variant. It is up to us.” About 60 percent of the 9.3 million Israelis have been vaccinated twice. More than one million people have also received the third vaccination. Initially, it was introduced for everyone aged 60 years and above, but now the age limit has been reduced.

The third vaccination apparently significantly increases protection against infection. This is the result of the first study in Israel. “The first results after the third vaccination are really encouraging,” says Dr. Gili Regev, head of the department of infection control at Sheba Hospital near Tel Aviv. “I think it will be a breakthrough and we will see an end to the increase in severe cases in about two weeks. People who didn’t get enough protection after two vaccinations now have enough antibodies.”

First, more severe course and more deaths

However, hundreds of new cases are still being reported every day, and the number of seriously ill people is increasing. The military is now sending more reservists to hospitals to support its staff, and Prime Minister Bennett is preparing people for tough times: “The next few days will not be easy. We expect a significant increase in infections, And with more deaths with more severe courses.”

Experts believe that the next two weeks will see whether the government’s strategy to reduce the number of infections is successful or not. If they remain high, another lockdown could be inevitable next month around several Jewish holidays. It would be a defeat for Prime Minister Bennett.