Israeli Lockdown Extended (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 02/02/21

Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 2, 2021 - On Sunday, January 31, 2021, the Israeli Cabinet convened to discuss extending the COVID-19 lockdown. Late Sunday night, the Cabinet approved extending the general lockdown, pursuant to the existing detailed regulations, for an additional five days until 7:00 am on Friday, February 5, 2021.

People returning to Israel from all countries will be required to quarantine in designated state-sponsored hotels beginning Tuesday, February 2, 2021, until February 7, 2021. Requests for exceptions will be dealt with on an individual basis by the Health Ministry at Ben-Gurion International Airport.

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of an exceptions committee for approving requests for arriving in Israel for humanitarian and special reasons during the period in which entry to Israel is restricted. Minister Yuval Steinitz, or someone on his behalf, will chair the committee, which will be composed of representatives from the Interior, Foreign Affairs, Health, Transportation, Diaspora Affairs, and Aliyah and Absorption ministries.  

In Yerushalayim on Monday, February 1st, Mamilla Mall was silent, only one store selling alcoholic beverages and cigars was open. The Jaffa Gate remained closed. Security officers were checking identification carefully for entry to the Old City.

Stopped before entering the Kossel Plaza, BJL was instructed by police, not to photograph people praying. While infrastructure construction work on the Kossel Plaza was continuing, very few people were praying or near the Kossel.

The Old City and Mamilla were under lockdown with an obvious police presence. However, the areas in town, of Ben Yehudah Street, Jaffa Road, Machane Yehudah Market, and Agrippas Street, while some stores were closed, did not feel locked down. Food shopping, skateboarding, cycling, strolling, eating takeaway food, as the buses and light rail trains passed by, felt like a quiet day in the city. 

Small shop owners are struggling to stay in business as the lockdowns continue. Some stores have been able to take their business online. Today some shops on Jaffa Road had doors partially open, but with signs of "no entry." 

The Cabinet will convene on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, for an additional discussion on the necessity to further extend the lockdown.