The decision comes on the day that almost 7,000 people were diagnosed with coronavirus in a 24-hour period – unprecedented numbers. cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: ’36af7c51-0caf-4741-9824-2c941fc6c17b’ }).render(‘4c4d856e0e6f4e3d808bbc1715e132f6’); });Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed for the total closure during the coronavirus cabinet meeting Wednesday, despite opposition by the Finance Ministry and some other senior officials. They said that a total lockdown was not needed.The closure will cost an estimated NIS 35 billion ($10b.) if the lockdown lasts three weeks.“The situation is bad; we’re seeing a steep increase in morbidity rates,” Netanyahu said via a video message during a break from the coronavirus cabinet meeting. “We need to reach decisions, hard decisions. But as prime minister, I’m obligated to protect your lives, and everyone must understand that this is a life-threatening situation.“That’s why there’s no other choice. We’re going to make hard decisions and save lives – with your cooperation,” he concluded.There were 6,948 people diagnosed with the virus on Tuesday, the Health Ministry showed Wednesday evening – some 11.7% of the 61,165 people screened. Israel has now had 203,136 cases since the start of the pandemic. Moreover, there were 658 patients in serious condition, including 177 people on ventilators – also a record since the start of the crisis.According to the ministry, some 32 coronavirus patients have died in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 1,317.The coronavirus cabinet meeting was expected to result in a decision to stop the pandemic’s spread. When ministers began the meeting, it was built around deciding on new restrictions to stop the coronavirus from burning across the country. But the hours-long meeting turned instead into an intense debate between Blue and White and Likud ministers over demonstrations.At one point during the meeting, Netanyahu called the room to attention and said, “You will respect the discussion.”At another, Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz convened an emergency meeting of his faction ministers. He told them, “Stop the disproportionate discussion of the demonstrations immediately…. Insist on what is good for the health of the citizens and what will stop the spread of infection – while balancing Judaism, democracy, economy and society.”And all of this was despite having come to an agreement ahead of the meeting that they would take the advice of health professionals and the police on how to manage prayers and protests.From the meeting’s start, it was apparent that Netanyahu was planning to push for a complete closure, which Blue and White…
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