Health Ministry opposes reopening, says decision is politically motivated ahead of elections and could lead to dire consequences
After weeks of inexplicable inconsistencies regarding Israel’s airport closure, which erupted in anger from citizens and their family members stuck on either side of the border, the cabinet decided on Tuesday to remove some travel limits.
Let’s be clear: Ben-Gurion Airport will not be open freely to outgoing travel, nor are the borders open to foreigners for the foreseeable future. But some restrictions will be removed beginning on Sunday, March 7.
The airport has been “hermetically” sealed since Jan. 25. Some Israelis been allowed in with a special exemption, but the majority have been barred from reentry, while outgoing flights were allowed on an emergency basis only. Fueling the controversial closure, however, several exceptions to the travel ban were made during this time for sporting and political events, allowing foreigners into the country for state-sponsored visits - without quarantining - while Israelis who just wanted to see family or get back to work have been kept out or in.
