View source for COVID-19 pandemic in Israel

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox outbreak
| name            = [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in [[Israel]]
| image           = Ibngvirol001.jpg
| alt             = 
| caption         = [[Magen David Adom]] worker dressed in protective gear walks beside a mobile intensive care unit
| map1            = 
| legend1         = 
| disease         = [[COVID-19]]
| virus_strain    = [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|SARS‑CoV‑2]]
| location        = [[Israel]]
| first_outbreak  = [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]], China
| index_case      = [[Ramat Gan]]
| arrival_date    = 21 February 2020<br />({{age in years and months|2020|2|21}} ago)
| confirmed_cases = 4,699,229<ref name=info/>
| active_cases    = 8,101<ref name=info>{{cite web |url=https://datadashboard.health.gov.il/COVID-19/general |title=נגיף הקורונה בישראל - תמונת מצב כללית |publisher=Israel Ministry of Health |access-date=12 July 2021 |language=Hebrew}}</ref>
| suspected_cases = 
| severe_cases    = 107<ref name=info/>
| recovery_cases  = 4,677,942<ref name=info/>
| deaths          = 11,801<ref name=info/>
| fatality_rate   = {{Percentage|11,801|4,699,229|2}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.coronatracker.com/country/israel/ |title=Israel Overview |website=CoronaTracker |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref>
| website         = {{bulleted list |{{URL|https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/|govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona}} |{{URL|https://datadashboard.health.gov.il/COVID-19/general|datadashboard.health.gov.il/COVID-19}} |{{URL|https://www.oref.org.il/en|oref.org.il/en}}}}
| vaccinations    = <!-- A list in here will be shown without bullet points -->
}}
The '''COVID-19 pandemic in Israel''' ({{langx|he|מגפת הקורונה בישראל|lit=The corona pandemic in Israel}}) is part of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|worldwide pandemic]] of coronavirus disease 2019 ({{nowrap|[[COVID-19]]}}) caused by [[severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus&nbsp;2]] ({{nowrap|SARS-CoV-2}}). The first case in [[Israel]] was confirmed on 21 February 2020, when a female citizen tested positive for COVID-19 at the [[Sheba Medical Center]] after return from [[quarantine]] on the ''[[Diamond Princess (ship)|Diamond Princess]]'' ship in Japan.<ref name="timesofisrael.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-confirms-first-coronavirus-case-as-cruise-ship-returnee-diagnosed/|title=Israel confirms first coronavirus case as cruise ship returnee diagnosed|work=[[The Times of Israel]]|date=21 February 2020|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221131453/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-confirms-first-coronavirus-case-as-cruise-ship-returnee-diagnosed/|archive-date=21 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, a 14-day [[Isolation (health care)|home isolation]] rule was instituted for anyone who had visited South Korea or Japan, and a ban was placed on non-residents and non-citizens who were in South Korea for 14 days before their arrival.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://honestreporting.com/how-israel-dealing-coronavirus/|title=How is Israel Dealing With Coronavirus?|date=16 March 2020}}</ref>

Beginning on 11 March 2020, Israel began enforcing [[social distancing]] and other rules to limit the spread of infection. Gatherings were first restricted to no more than 100 people,<ref name="gathering-limit-100">{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Coronavirus-cases-climb-to-77-second-case-of-unknown-origin-confirmed-620578|title=Israel limits gatherings to 100 people as coronavirus cases climb to 97|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=11 March 2020}}</ref> and on 15 March this figure was lowered to 10 people, with attendees advised to keep a distance of {{cvt|2|m}} between one another.<ref name="No more daycare, restaurants, gyms">{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/no-more-daycare-restaurants-gyms-or-prayer-quorums-the-new-virus-regulations/|title=No more daycare, restaurants, gyms or prayer quorums: The new virus regulations|date=15 March 2020}}</ref>  On 19 March, Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] declared a national state of emergency, saying that existing restrictions would henceforth be legally enforceable, and violators would be fined. Israelis were not allowed to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.  Essential services—including food stores, pharmacies, and banks—would remain open.  Restrictions on movement were further tightened on 25 March and 1 April, with everyone instructed to cover their noses and mouths outdoors.  As coronavirus diagnoses spiked in the city of [[Bnei Brak]], reaching nearly 1,000 infected people at the beginning of April,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rktqtmXPI|title=Bnei Brak coronavirus cases near 1000 as Haredi cities hit hardest|date=2 April 2020|access-date=2 April 2020|work=Ynetnews}}</ref> the cabinet voted to declare the city a "restricted zone", limiting entry and exit for a period of one week. Coinciding with the [[Passover Seder]] on the night of 8 April, lawmakers ordered a 3-day travel ban and mandated that Israelis stay within {{cvt|100|m}} of their home on the night of the Seder. On 12 April, [[Haredi Judaism|Haredi]] neighborhoods in [[Jerusalem]] were placed under closure.

On 20 March 2020, an 88-year-old [[Holocaust survivors|Holocaust survivor]] in Jerusalem who had previous illnesses was announced as the country's first casualty.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rabinovitch |first1=Ari |title=Israel reports first coronavirus fatality |url=https://news.yahoo.com/israel-reports-first-coronavirus-fatality-212259437.html |website=news.yahoo.com |publisher=Reuters |date=20 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Estrin |first1=Daniel |title=Holocaust Survivor Is First Coronavirus Death In Israel |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/21/819541569/holocaust-survivor-is-first-coronavirus-death-in-israel |website=NPR |language=en |date=21 March 2020}}</ref> The pandemic occurred during the [[2019–2022 Israeli political crisis]] and had a significant political impact.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Jewish Chronicle|title=A bipartisan protest movement is rocking Israel|url=https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/a-bipartisan-protest-movement-is-rocking-israel |date=5 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|title=Thousands gather in Tel Aviv for Black Flag protest against coalition|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/thousands-gather-in-tel-aviv-for-black-flag-protest-against-coalition-625911 |date=26 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=CNN|date=22 December 2020|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/22/middleeast/israel-government-collapses-intl/index.html|title=Israel's government collapses, not with a bang but a whimper, triggering fourth election in 2 years}}</ref> All restrictions in Israel were removed throughout the spring of 2021, later reintroducing face mask requirements.<ref>{{cite web|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=2021-06-25|title=Israel resumes indoor mask requirement after rise in Covid cases|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/25/israel-resumes-indoor-mask-requirement-after-rise-in-covid-cases|access-date=2021-06-25|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Restrictions on non-citizens entering the country remained until January 2022.

[[Israel Shield]], the country's national program to combat the pandemic, was established in July 2020.<ref>[https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-israel-archive-public-health-eee3bce4190c9f201978a0e1c5a15d94 "AP Interview: Israeli virus czar fights outbreak, politics."] ''[[Associated Press]]'', September 25, 2020.</ref> As of June 2021, it is led by [[Salman Zarka]], a position known as the "COVID czar".<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/virus-czar-calls-to-begin-readying-for-eventual-4th-vaccine-dose/ "Virus czar calls to begin readying for eventual 4th vaccine dose."] ''[[The Times of Israel]],'' September 5, 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-s-covid-czar-to-travel-to-ukraine-to-oversee-uman-pilgrimage-1.10181763 "Israel's COVID Czar to Travel to Ukraine to Oversee Uman Pilgrimage".] ''[[Haaretz]]'', September 5, 2021.</ref>

==Timeline==
=== First wave: February to May 2020 ===
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Israel medical cases chart}}{{anchor|COVID chart}}

====First cases====
On 21 February, Israel confirmed the first case of [[COVID-19]]. A female Israeli citizen who had flown home from Japan after being [[quarantine]]d on the ''[[Diamond Princess (ship)|Diamond Princess]]'' tested positive at [[Sheba Medical Center]].<ref name="timesofisrael.com" /> On 23 February, a second former ''Diamond Princess'' passenger tested positive, and was admitted to a hospital for isolation.<ref name="JP-Il2">{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/HEALTH-SCIENCE/Netanyahu-International-coronavirus-quarantine-list-may-grow-618492|title=Second coronavirus case in Israel confirmed, as panic increases|publisher=The Jerusalem Post|date=23 February 2020|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224174050/https://www.jpost.com/HEALTH-SCIENCE/Netanyahu-International-coronavirus-quarantine-list-may-grow-618492|archive-date=24 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 27 February, a man, who had returned from Italy on 23 February, tested positive and was admitted to Sheba Medical Center.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HJkE9zHVI|title=Israel confirms its first case of coronavirus|newspaper=Ynetnews|publisher=Ynet News|date=27 February 2020|access-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227113139/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HJkE9zHVI|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 February, his wife also tested positive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Health-Ministry-confirms-second-case-of-coronavirus-in-Israel-619189|title=Health Ministry confirms second case of coronavirus in Israel|website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com|date=28 February 2020 |access-date=2020-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228090123/https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Health-Ministry-confirms-second-case-of-coronavirus-in-Israel-619189|archive-date=28 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 March, a female soldier tested positive for the virus. She had been working at the toy store managed by the same man diagnosed on 27 February.<ref name="15cases">{{cite news |last1=Hilai |first1=Sivan |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Roy |title=Number of people infected with coronavirus in Israel jumps to 15 |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/B1Z006ThVI |newspaper=Ynetnews|date=4 March 2020 |access-date=4 March 2020}}</ref> On 3 March, three more cases were confirmed. Two contracted the virus at the same toy store: a middle school student who worked at the store, and a school deputy principal who shopped there. Following this, 1,150 students entered a two-week quarantine. One other person, who had returned from a trip to Italy on 29 February, also tested positive for the virus.<ref name="15cases" />

==== Information campaign ====
The government has set up a multi-lingual website with information and instructions regarding the pandemic. Among the languages: English, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Amharic, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Romanian, Thai, Chinese, Tigrinya, Hindi, Filipino.<ref>{{cite web|title=נגיף הקורונה - משרד הבריאות|trans-title=The Novel Coronavirus - Israel Ministry of Health|url=https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703233603/https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus/|archive-date=2020-07-03|access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref><!-- There is no news source for the available languages, however, they are all easily accessible via the language menu on the website itself --> The government also set up a dashboard where daily statistics can be viewed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://datadashboard.health.gov.il/COVID-19/general |title=COVID19 dashboard| publisher=Israel Ministry of Health}}</ref>

==== Travel restrictions ====
On 26 January 2020, Israel advised against non-essential travel to China.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Halon |first1=Eytan |title=Israel warns against all non-essential travel to China |url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-warns-against-all-non-essential-travel-to-China-615417 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=26 January 2020}}</ref> On 30 January, Israel suspended all flights from China.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kandel |first1=Rina Rozenberg |last2=Efrati |first2=Ido |title=Israel Suspends All Flights From China, Isolates Arrivals Over Coronavirus Outbreak |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-suspends-all-flights-from-china-isolates-arrivals-over-coronavirus-outbreak-1.8472297 |work=Haaretz |date=30 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref> On 17 February, Israel extended the ban to include arrivals from Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel bans foreigners coming from East Asian countries over virus fears |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-bans-foreigners-coming-from-east-asian-countries-over-virus-fears/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=17 February 2020}}</ref> On 22 February, a flight from Seoul, South Korea, landed at [[Ben Gurion Airport]]. An ad hoc decision was made to allow only Israeli citizens to disembark the plane, and all non-Israeli citizens aboard returned to South Korea.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raz-Chaimovich |first1=Michal |title=Israel refuses entry to Korean Air passengers |url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-refuses-entry-to-korean-air-passengers-1001319306 |website=Globes |language=he |date=23 February 2020}}</ref> Later, Israel barred the entry of non-residents or non-citizens of Israel who were in South Korea during the 14 days prior to their arrival in Israel.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blumentha |first1=Itay |title=Israel extends entry ban over coronavirus to South Korea and Japan |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HJYoiRCmL |website=Ynetnews |language=en |date=22 February 2020}}</ref> The same directive was applied to those arriving from Japan starting 23 February.<ref name="JP-Il2" /> On 26 February, Israel issued a travel warning to Italy, and urged cancelling of all travel abroad.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Ynet |title=Israel issues travel warning to Italy, urges cancelling all travel abroad |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/S1QOoXNVU |work=Ynet News |date=26 February 2020 |language=en}}</ref> By the third week in March, [[El Al]], Israel's national air carrier, responded to a government request to send rescue flights to Peru, India, Australia, Brazil, and Costa Rica to bring home hundreds of [[Israelis]] who were stranded around the world due to the worldwide pandemic. On 22 March, 550 Israelis returned from India; a few days before about 1,100 Israeli travelers were repatriated from Peru.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HkK1211B88|title=El Al answers government's plea to rescue more Israelis stranded overseas|date=2020-03-22|website=ynetnews|language=en|access-date=2020-03-23|last1=Blumenthal|first1=Itay}}</ref>

On 21 February, Israel instituted a 14-day [[Isolation (health care)|home isolation]] rule for anyone who had been in South Korea or Japan.<ref name="JP-Il2" /> A number of tourists tested positive after visiting Israel, including members of a group from South Korea,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/health-ministry-korean-nationals-who-visited-israel-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-1.8564475|title=Korean Nationals Who Visited Israel, West Bank Tested Positive for Coronavirus|newspaper=Haaretz|date=24 February 2020|last1=Efrati|first1=Ido}}</ref> two people from Romania,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniajournal.ro/society-people/8-more-people-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-in-bucharest-25-cases-confirmed-overall-in-romania/|title=8 more people tested positive for Coronavirus in Bucharest, 25 cases confirmed overall in Romania|website=Romania Journal|date=10 March 2020}}</ref> a group of Greek pilgrims,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/greek-tourist-who-recently-visited-israel-dies-of-coronavirus/|title=Greek tourist who recently visited Israel dies of coronavirus|agency=Romania Journal|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> and a woman from the U.S. [[New York (state)|State of New York]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-march-5-2020/|title=Virus cases in New York state double to 22|website=[[The Times of Israel]]|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> 200 Israeli students were quarantined after being exposed to a group of religious tourists from South Korea.<ref name="JP-Il2" /> An additional 1,400 Israelis were quarantined after having traveled abroad.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/H1nXPa7E8|title=1,600 Israelis are in 14-day quarantine for coronavirus|website=ynetnews|first1=Sivan|last1=Hilaie|date=2020-02-26|access-date=2020-02-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227093422/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/H1nXPa7E8|archive-date=27 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 March, Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] declared a mandatory quarantine for all people entering Israel, requiring all entrants to quarantine themselves for 14 days upon entering the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1237075668967534592|title=Twitter|website=mobile.twitter.com|access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="quarantine.bbc">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51809818|title=Israel declares 14-day quarantine for all arrivals|work=BBC News|date=9 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref> The order was effective immediately for all returning Israelis, and would apply beginning on 13 March for all foreign citizens, who must show that they have arranged for accommodation during their quarantine period.<ref name="quarantine.bbc" />

==== Social distancing and closures ====
[[File:Social distancing Jerusalem supermarket aisle.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Tiles on supermarket aisle floor. Every seven tiles there is a sticker saying "For the sake of your health, stand here" in Hebrew.|Stickers in supermarket aisles encourage people to distance themselves from one another]]
On 2 March, the [[2020 Israeli legislative election]] was held. Multiple secluded voting booths were established for 5,630 quarantined Israeli citizens who were eligible to vote.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Jaffe-Hoffman |first1=Maayan |last2=Hoffman |first2=Gil |url=https://www.jpost.com/HEALTH-SCIENCE/With-5630-Israelis-in-isolation-Health-Ministry-says-go-vote-619391 |title=With 5,630 Israelis in isolation, Health Ministry says 'go vote' |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> 4,073 citizens voted in the coronavirus-special voting booths. After the election, numerous Israelis were in quarantine.<ref>{{cite web |last=Oster |first=Marcy |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Israelis in quarantine due to coronavirus exposure vote at special polling locations |url=https://www.jta.org/2020/03/02/israel/israelis-in-quarantine-due-to-coronavirus-exposure-exercise-their-right-to-vote-at-special-polling-locations |website=jta.org}}</ref> On 10 March, Israel began limiting gatherings to 2,000 people.<ref>{{cite web|last=Times of Israel Staff|date=10 March 2020|title=Israel bars gatherings over 2,000 people, limits visits to sick or elderly|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-bars-gatherings-over-2000-people-limits-visits-to-sick-or-elderly/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613075723/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-bars-gatherings-over-2000-people-limits-visits-to-sick-or-elderly/|archive-date=13 June 2020|access-date=5 July 2020|website=The Times of Israel}}</ref> A day later, on March 11, Israel further limited gatherings to 100 people.<ref name="gathering-limit-100" /> On 14 March, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced new regulations and stated the need to "adopt a new way of life". The Health Ministry posted new regulations, effective 15 March. These included banning gatherings of more than 10 people, and closure of all educational institutions, among them daycare centers, special education, youth movements, and after-school programs. The list of venues required to close included: malls, restaurants, hotel dining rooms, pubs, dance clubs, gyms, pools, beaches, water and amusement parks, zoos and petting zoos, bathhouses and ritual baths for men, beauty and massage salons, event and conference venues, public boats and cable cars, and heritage sites. Take-away restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies were to remain open. The pandemic forced many events to be cancelled. Notwithstanding the closure of wedding halls, weddings took place in private homes with the limitation of no more than 10 participants in each room; dancing could take place both indoors and in outdoor courtyards. Weddings were also held on rooftops and [[yeshiva]] courtyards. In one case, a [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardi]] couple opted to hold their wedding ceremony in an Osher Ad supermarket, which was exempt from the 10-person rule.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/corona-restrictions-force-israeli-couples-to-hold-creative--and-clandestine--weddings/2020/03/18/3c5a8916-6857-11ea-b199-3a9799c54512_story.html|title=Coronavirus restrictions force Israeli couples to hold creative — and clandestine — weddings|first=Ruth|last=Eglash|date=March 18, 2020|access-date=March 19, 2020|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> The [[Qibli Mosque|Al-Aqsa Mosque]] and [[Dome of the Rock]] closed to prevent contamination of the holy sites.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/jerusalem-al-aqsa-mosque-shut-precaution-coronavirus-200315103612710.html|title=Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque shut as precaution against coronavirus|agency=Al Jazeera|date=15 March 2020}}</ref> As a result of the government's directive for citizens to remain at home, there was an increase in calls to [[List of domestic violence hotlines|domestic violence hotlines]], and [[women's shelter]]s were close to full capacity, both due to new arrivals and to current residents who remained due to the pandemic.<ref name=abuse>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-families-cooped-up-at-home-due-to-virus-domestic-violence-complaints-soar/|title=With families cooped up at home due to virus, domestic violence complaints soar|date=March 23, 2020|access-date=March 23, 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

On 9 March, after it was discovered that an employee at the [[Embassy of Israel, Athens|Israeli embassy in Greece]] had contracted coronavirus and spread it to two family members, it was announced that the embassy was temporarily shutting down.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/worker-at-israeli-embassy-in-athens-2-family-members-diagnosed-with-coronavirus/|title=Worker at Israeli embassy in Athens, 2 family members diagnosed with coronavirus|agency=Times of Israel|date=March 9, 2020}}</ref> On 12 March, Israel announced that all universities and schools would close until after the [[Passover]] (spring) break.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/HEALTH-SCIENCE/Coronavirus-Teachers-Union-calls-on-Education-Ministry-to-shutter-schools-620688|title=109 Israelis diagnosed with coronavirus, schools to close|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> After the break, schools remained closed<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5711964,00.html|title=בתי ספר בהדרגה, בלי בתי קפה: אסטרטגיית היציאה|date=2020-04-10|website=ynet|language=he|access-date=2020-04-23|last1=Ynet|first1=כתבי}}</ref> and students learned online. On 3 May, grades one to three were allowed to resume school, with restrictions, and not in all cities. In addition, grades eleven and twelve were allowed to hold revisions for the upcoming [[Bagrut certificate|Bagrut]] exams.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=26 April 2020|title=Education Ministry proposes reopening some schools starting May 3|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/education-ministry-proposes-reopening-some-schools-starting-may-3#gs.fpgqo6|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=15 September 2020}}</ref> On 15 March, [[Ministry of Justice (Israel)|Justice Minister]] [[Amir Ohana]] expanded his powers and announced that non-urgent court activity would be frozen. As a result, the [[Trial of Benjamin Netanyahu|corruption trial]] of Prime Minister Netanyahu was postponed from 17 March to 24 May. The [[Movement for Quality Government in Israel]] urged the Attorney General to stay the new regulations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-netanyahu-trial-postponed-by-two-months-1.8675477|title=Netanyahu Trial Postponed as Justice Minister Freezes Courts Over Coronavirus Emergency|date=15 March 2020}}</ref> On 16 March, the [[Bank of Israel]] ordered retail banks to close, but allowed special services to remain open for elderly people.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tress |first1=Luke |title=Bank of Israel orders most retail banks closed, special services for elderly |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/bank-of-israel-orders-most-retail-banks-closed-special-services-for-elderly/ |work=Times of Israel |date=16 March 2020}}</ref> On 22 March, both the open-air [[Carmel Market]] in [[Tel Aviv]] and the open-air [[Mahane Yehuda Market]] in Jerusalem were closed by police.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mako.co.il/news-israel/2020_q1/Article-743beaedb510171026.htm|title=תיעוד: שוטרים עוברים בשוק הכרמל וסוגרים את הדוכנים|trans-title=Documentation: Police officers pass through the Carmel Market and close the stands|date=22 March 2020|access-date=24 March 2020|work=[[Keshet Media Group|Mako]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kolhair.co.il/jerusalem-news/126083/|title=כעת, שוטרים החלו בסגירת שוק מחנה יהודה|language=he|trans-title=Now, police have begun closing the Mahane Yehuda Market|first=Shlomi|last=Heller|date=22 March 2020|access-date=24 March 2020|work=[[Kol Ha'ir]]}}</ref> Many supermarkets experienced a shortage of eggs caused by panic buying and fear of shutdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/agriculture-minister-orders-egg-imports-as-panicked-buyers-spark-shortage/|title=Agriculture minister orders egg imports as panicked buyers spark shortage|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref>

==== Medical response ====
As late as 15 March, doctors complained that guidelines for testing were too restrictive.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-health-ministry-s-refusal-to-ok-tests-leads-to-dumping-of-samples-1.8675058|title=Coronavirus in Israel: Refusal to Approve Tests Leads to Dumping Samples |newspaper=Haaretz |agency=Haaretz|date=15 March 2020|last1=Efrati |first1=Ido}}</ref> On 16 March, the Health Ministry approved a number of experimental treatments for patients with COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Health-Ministry-approves-experimental-treatments-for-coronavirus-621209|title=Health Ministry approves experimental treatments for coronavirus|date=16 March 2020}}</ref> On 18 March, the Defense Ministry took over purchasing of Corona-related gear.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-march-18-2020/|agency=The Times of Israel|title=Defense Ministry takes over buying corona-related gear amid claims of shortages|date=18 March 2020}}</ref> On the same day, the [[Israel Institute for Biological Research]] announced that they are working on a [[COVID-19 vaccine]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Efrati |first1=Ido |last2=Levinson |first2=Chaim |title=Israeli Research Center to Announce It Developed Coronavirus Vaccine, Sources Say |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-coronavirus-vaccine-israel-biological-research-institute-develope-1.8665074 |work=Haaretz |date=18 March 2020}}</ref> On 18 March at 6 pm, Israelis across the country applauded from their balconies for two minutes in appreciation of medical workers and first responders battling coronavirus.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kerstein |first=Benjamin |date=19 March 2020 |title=Israelis Across Country Applaud From Their Balconies in Appreciation of Medical Workers Battling Coronavirus |url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2020/03/19/israelis-across-country-applaud-from-their-balconies-in-appreciation-of-medical-workers-battling-coronavirus/ |work=Algemeiner Journal |access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.israel21c.org/israelis-applaud-healthcare-workers-in-two-minute-clap/ |title = Israelis applaud healthcare workers in two-minute clap|date = 22 March 2020}}</ref> On 29 March, [[Magen David Adom]] announced that it will collect [[blood plasma]] from recovered COVID-19 patients to treat those most severely affected by the infection.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1585476888-israel-mda-to-collect-plasma-from-recovered-coronavirus-donors-to-treat-severely-ill|title=Israel: MDA to collect plasma from recovered coronavirus donors to treat severely ill|date=29 March 2020|work=i24 News}}</ref> In December 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Health approved the use of Pfizer's [[Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir]] for treating COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Use of Pfizer's Anti-Viral Drug for the Treatment of COVID-19 Has Been Approved|url=https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/26122021-01|access-date=2021-12-28|website=GOV.IL|language=en}}</ref>

==== Politics ====
The virus begun to rapidly spread after the March 2020 election, and pandemic politics affected Israel's subsequent trajectory. The incumbent PM Benjamin Netanyahu did not win enough seats to form a coalition, and the presidential mandate to form a coalition was given to his contender, Benny Gantz. Facing criminal charges and unable to form a coalition, PM Netanyahu urged the establishment of a National Emergency Government (NEG). Abulof and Le Penne argue that Netanyahu succeeded partly through fearmongering. Suggesting that “If I fall, Israel falls”, Netanyahu compared the COVID-19 crisis to the Holocaust, qualifying “unlike the holocaust, this time – this time, we identified the danger in time,” saying that NEG headed by him is needed “like before the Six-Day War,” to “save the country.”<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Abulof |first1=Uriel |last2=Le Penne |first2=Shirley |date=2021 |title=A Fearmonger at the Tiller: Israel's Pandemic Politics |journal=Israel Studies Review |volume=36 |issue=3 |pages=19–25 |doi=10.3167/isr.2021.360302|s2cid=245168870 }}</ref>

Netanyahu's pandemic politics brought his party the Likud to reach peak public support (41-43 seats during the first wave of April–May 2020), pushing Gantz to ask Israel's President to transfer the mandate to Netanyahu so that the latter could form, and head, a new government. Overall, Abulof and Le Penne argue, Israel features key factors that could have helped it weather well the COVID-19 crisis: a young population, close or otherwise heavily monitored borders, warm climate, an efficient public health system, hard-earned public resilience, willingness for mass mobilization, high-tech capacities (to help gather and spread information), and meager reliance on tourism.<ref name=":2" />

==== Mobile phone tracking ====
On 15 March, the Israeli government proposed allowing the [[Shin Bet|Israel Security Agency]] (ISA) to track the prior movements of people diagnosed with coronavirus through their mobile phones.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last=Marciano|first=Avi|title=Israel's mass surveillance during COVID-19: A missed opportunity|url=https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/surveillance-and-society/article/view/14543|journal=Surveillance & Society|year=2021|volume=19|pages=85–88|doi=10.24908/ss.v19i1.14543|s2cid=233824613|doi-access=free}}</ref> The security service would not require a [[court order]] for its surveillance. The stated goal of the measure was to identify people with whom infected individuals came into contact in the two weeks prior to their diagnosis, and to dispatch text messages informing those people that they must enter the 14-day self-quarantine. The security measure was to be in place for only 30 days after approval by a [[Knesset]] subcommittee, and all records were to be deleted after that point. Critics branded the proposal an [[Right to privacy|invasion of privacy]] and [[civil liberties]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/government-okays-mass-surveillance-of-israelis-phones-to-curb-coronavirus/|title=Government okays mass surveillance of Israelis' phones to curb coronavirus|first=Judah Ari|last=Gross|date=15 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020|work=[[The Times of Israel]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/coronavirus-cases-in-israel-spike-to-164-nearly-2-500-medical-officials-quarantined-1.8671075|title=Live Updates Israel Approves Cellphone Tracking for Coronavirus Patients as Cases Rise to 213|date=15 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020|work=[[Haaretz]]}}</ref>

On 17 March, at 1:30 AM, a Knesset committee approved the contact-tracing program,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-committee-chair-slams-cabinets-phone-tracking-decision-as-power-grab/|title=Knesset committee chair slams cabinet's phone tracking decision as 'power grab'|date=17 March 2020}}</ref> making Israel the only country in the world to use its internal security agency (Shin Bet) to track citizens' geolocations.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cahane|first=Amir|date=2021-10-02|title=The (Missed) Israeli Snowden Moment?|journal=International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence|volume=34|issue=4|pages=694–717|doi=10.1080/08850607.2020.1838902|s2cid=234178779|issn=0885-0607|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Within the first two days, the [[Ministry of Health (Israel)|Ministry of Health]] text-messaged 400 individuals who had been in proximity to an infected person, and told them to enter a 14-day self-quarantine. On 19 March, the [[Supreme Court of Israel]] heard petitions to halt the contact-tracing program, submitted by the [[Association for Civil Rights in Israel]], and [[Adalah (legal center)|Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights]], and issued an interim order.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://versa.cardozo.yu.edu/sites/default/files/upload/opinions/Ben%20Meir%20v.%20Prime%20Minister.pdf|title=HCJ 2109/20 ''Association for Civil Rights v. Prime Minister'' (19 March 2020)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://versa.cardozo.yu.edu/viewpoints/coronavirus-interim-order-update|title=Coronavirus Interim Order Update &#124; Cardozo Israeli Supreme Court Project|website=versa.cardozo.yu.edu}}</ref> The same day, several hundred protesters converged on the Knesset to protest the phone surveillance and other restrictions on citizens' movements, as well as the shutdown of the judicial and legislative branches of the government. Police arrested three protesters for violating the ban on gatherings over 10 people, and also blocked dozens of cars from entering Jerusalem and approaching the Knesset building.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/protesters-accuse-netanyahu-of-exploiting-pandemic-for-power-grab_n_5e73ae1dc5b6eab779442d65|title=Protesters Accuse Netanyahu Of Exploiting Pandemic For Power Grab|first=Aron|last=Heller|agency=Associated Press|publisher=[[HuffPost]]|date=March 19, 2020|access-date=March 19, 2020}}</ref> On 26 March, the ISA said contact tracing had led to over 500 Israelis being notified who were then diagnosed with coronavirus.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/SyR8DwqUU |title = Shin Bet: Over 500 Israelis diagnosed with coronavirus thanks to agency's efforts|newspaper = Ynetnews|date = 26 March 2020}}</ref> On April 26, 2020, the Supreme Court issued its judgment on the contact-tracing petitions. In granting the petitions, the Court held that the Government's decision passed constitutional review under the exigent circumstances at the time it was made, but that further recourse to the Israel Security Agency for the purpose of contact tracing would require primary legislation in the form of a temporary order that would meet the requirements of the Limitations Clause of Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty. The Court further held that due to the fundamental importance of freedom of the press, ISA contact tracing of journalists who tested positive for the virus would require consent, and in the absence of consent, a journalist would undergo an individual epidemiological investigation, and would be asked to inform any sources with whom he was in contact over the 14 days prior to his diagnosis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://versa.cardozo.yu.edu/opinions/ben-meir-v-prime-minister-0|title=Ben Meir v. Prime Minister &#124; Cardozo Israeli Supreme Court Project|website=versa.cardozo.yu.edu}}</ref> Cellphone-based location tracking proved to be insufficiently accurate, as scores of Israeli citizens were falsely identified as carriers of COVID-19 and subsequently ordered to self-quarantine.<ref>{{Cite news|title=400,000 Israelis Were Wrongly Quarantined by Shin Bet Tracking, Top Court Says|language=en|work=Haaretz|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-400-000-israelis-were-wrongly-quarantined-by-shin-bet-tracking-top-court-says-1.9459603|access-date=2021-12-19}}</ref> In an attempt to contain the spread of the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant|Omicron Variant]], Israel reinstated the use of Shin Bet counterterrorism surveillance measures for a limited period of time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cahane|first=Amir|date=December 16, 2021|title=The Collapsed Bridge Loan: Israel's Shin Bet Location Tracking of Omicron Carriers|url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/collapsed-bridge-loan-israels-shin-bet-location-tracking-omicron-carriers|url-status=live|website=Lawfare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113133929/https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/collapsed-bridge-loan-israels-shin-bet-location-tracking-omicron-carriers |archive-date=13 January 2024 }}</ref>

==== Public transportation ====
[[File:Beersheba stabling yard a 01.jpg|thumb|The [[Israel Railways]] stabling yard in [[Beersheba]] is full due to the coronavirus shutdown]]
As of 19 March, public [[Transport in Israel|transportation]] ridership was down 38.5 percent compared to before the virus outbreak. Public bus operations were strictly curtailed by the government, which placed an 8 p.m. curfew on bus operations nightly, and halted all public transportation between Thursday night at 8 p.m. and Sunday morning, going beyond the usual hiatus on [[Transport in Israel#Public transportation|public transportation in Israel]] during [[Shabbat]] (from Friday evening to Saturday evening).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-public-transit-usage-down-385-percent-compared-to-before-coronavirus-621679|title=Israel public transit usage down 38.5% compared to before coronavirus|date=March 20, 2020|access-date=March 20, 2020|work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> As of 22 March Israel's [[Ministry of Transport and Road Safety]] and its National Public Transportation Authority instituted a notification system allowing passengers using public transportation to inquire whether they had shared a ride with a person sick with COVID-19. The travel histories will be stored through the use of the country's electronic bus card passes, known as [[Rav-Kav]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3802936,00.html|title=Israel's Bus Pass Card to Notify Users if They Shared a Ride With a Covid-19 Patient|last=Pick|first=Lior Gutman and Adi|date=2020-03-22|website=CTECH - www.calcalistech.com|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref> At the peak of the first wave, on 20 April 2020, public transportation ridership was down 80% compared to before the outbreak.<ref>{{cite web|title=Israel public transit usage during first wave was down 80% compared to before coronavirus |url=https://moovitapp.com/insights/en/Moovit_Insights_Public_Transit_Index-countries|access-date=December 2, 2020}} [[File:CC-BY icon.svg|50px]] Material was copied from this source, which is available under a [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License].</ref>

==== State of emergency ====
[[File:Mivtsa Kadesh Garden, Raanana, March 2020 09.jpg|thumb|upright|City park marked and closed due to COVID-19 outbreak]]
On 19 March, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared a national [[state of emergency]]. He said that existing restrictions would henceforth be legally enforceable, and violators would be fined. Israelis were not allowed to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Essential services would remain open.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|title=Netanyahu: Israelis face fines for breaking state of emergency orders|url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/529-Israelis-have-been-diagnosed-with-coronavirus-Health-Ministry-621536|date=19 March 2020}}</ref> News reports showed hundreds of Israelis ignoring the new ban on Shabbat, 21 March, and visiting beaches, parks, and nature spots in large numbers, prompting the Ministry of Health to threaten imposing tighter restrictions on the public.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/Hy3UFimL8|title=Health officials threaten 'stricter virus measures' if orders are ignored|date=21 March 2020|access-date=21 March 2020|work=Ynetnews}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-ministry-warns-of-tougher-action-as-many-venture-outside-in-warm-weather/|title=Health Ministry warns of tougher action as many venture outside in warm weather|date=21 March 2020|access-date=21 March 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

[[File:IDF Corona Laboratory. XV.jpg|thumb|[[Chief of the General Staff (Israel)|Chief of the General Staff]], [[Aviv Kochavi]] (center) examines the military laboratory for the diagnosis of coronavirus patients at [[Tzrifin]] base]]
On 25 March, the government imposed stricter restrictions on citizens' movements.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/25032020_01|title=The Government Approved Emergency Regulations to Restrict Activities in Order to Curb the Spread of Coronavirus in Israel|agency = Ministry of Health|date=25 March 2020}}</ref> These include:
* People must not venture more than {{cvt|100|m}} from their homes. Exceptions include:
** Employee arrival to work is permitted according to regulations
** Acquiring food, medicine, essential products and receiving essential services
** Receiving medical treatment
** Blood donation
** Legal proceedings
** Demonstrations
** Arriving at the Knesset
** Receiving care in the framework of the welfare system
** Departure of an individual or persons living in the same place for a short time and up to 100&nbsp;meters from the place of residence
** Providing medical assistance to another person or assisting a person with difficulty or distress
** Prayer in an open place, funerals, weddings, and ''[[brit milah]]'', as well as a woman's visit to the [[Mikveh|mikvah]], provided that they pre-arranged the time of their arrival
** Transfer of a minor to educational settings for the children of essential workers and special frameworks (in accordance with the Public Health Order).
** Transfer of a minor, whose parents live separately, by one of his parents, to the other parent's home.
** Transfer of a minor whose responsible parent is required to leave for an essential purpose if there is no responsible place for the child to be left under his care.
* Private vehicles may have only two passengers. Taxis may have only one passenger.
* Essential workers must be tested for fever at their workplace, and anyone with a temperature over {{convert|38|C}} will be sent home.
* Violators will be subject to a 5,000 shekels fine, or up to six months' imprisonment.

Beginning on April 1 the government proposed to intensify precautionary restrictions on its citizens, requiring them to: refrain from all public gatherings, including prayer quorums of 10 men; limiting outings to two people from the same household; and calling upon them to always wear face masks in public.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Haaretz|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/coronavirus-israeli-health-minister-netanyahu-mossad-chief-quarantine-1.8720108|title=Israeli Government Debates Curfew on ultra-Orthodox Coronavirus Hot Spot|date=2020-04-02|work=Haaretz|access-date=2020-04-02|language=en}}</ref> Beginning on April 12, the government required all Israelis to cover their nose and mouth when leaving their homes. Exceptions include "children under age 6; people with emotional, mental or medical conditions that would prevent them from wearing a mask; drivers in their cars; people alone in a building; and two workers who work regularly together, provided they maintain social distancing". The new law was passed on the same day that the [[World Health Organization]] questioned the efficacy of face masks for protecting healthy individuals from catching the virus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-will-be-required-to-wear-face-masks-outdoors-under-new-order/|title=Israelis will be required to wear face masks outdoors under new order|date=7 April 2020|access-date=12 April 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

==== Restrictions on religious gatherings ====
{{see also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion#Judaism}}
According to Israeli Ministry of Health statistics, as of March 24, 24% of all coronavirus infections in Israel with known infection points (35% of all known cases) were contracted in synagogues, 15% in hotels, and 12% in restaurants.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/synagogues-top-coronavirus-hotspot-list-epidemiological-report-finds/|title=Synagogues top coronavirus hotspot list, epidemiological report finds|first=Stuart|last=Winer|date=24 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> The Health Ministry's rules on indoor gatherings, which were reduced from 100 to 10, still took into account the minimum number of members needed for a [[minyan]] (public prayer quorum). With stricter restrictions placed on citizens on 25 March (see below), the two [[Chief Rabbinate of Israel|Chief Rabbis of Israel]] called for all [[synagogue]]s to be closed and prayer services to be held outdoors in groups of 10, with {{cvt|2|m}} between each worshipper.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/synagogues-to-close-under-new-coronavirus-regulations-1.8708347|title=Chief Rabbis Order Synagogues Closed Following Israel's New Coronavirus Regulations|first1=Aaron|last1=Rabinowitz|first2=Noa|last2=Landau|date=25 March 2020|access-date=25 March 2020|work=Haaretz}}</ref> Many synagogues in [[Jerusalem]] were locked and prayer services held outdoors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/prominent-rabbi-media-trying-to-slur-haredim-in-coronavirus-reports/|title=Prominent rabbi: Media trying to 'slur' Haredim in coronavirus reports|first=Nathan|last=Jeffay|date=29 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> Due to the uptick in coronavirus diagnoses in [[Bnei Brak]] and after initially ordering his followers to ignore Health Ministry restrictions,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/police-bid-to-convince-rabbi-to-close-yeshivas-as-his-sect-defies-virus-rules/|title=Police bid to convince rabbi to close yeshivas as his sect defies virus rules|last=Magid|first=Jacob|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> leading [[Haredi Judaism|Haredi]] [[posek]] [[Chaim Kanievsky]] eventually issued an unprecedented statement on 29 March instructing Bnei Brak residents not to pray with a minyan at all, but rather individually at home.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bhol.co.il/news/1090634|title=הגר"ח קנייבסקי בהוראה דרמטית: אסור להתפלל במניין בבני ברק|language=he|trans-title=HaGaon Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky in Dramatic Notice: It is forbidden to pray in a minyan in Bnei Brak|first=Moshe|last=Weisberg|date=29 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|work=BeChadrei Hareidim}}</ref> Despite this, Kanievsky was accused of secretly arranging public prayers at his house.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.walla.co.il/item/3350025|title=בניגוד להנחיות: לפחות עשרה מתפללים בביתו של המנהיג החרדי הבכיר|language=he|trans-title=Contrary to instructions: At least ten worshippers at top Haredi leader's house|first=Yaki|last=Adamker|date=1 April 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|work=Walla}}</ref> On 1 April, the Chief Rabbis of Israel published guidelines for observance of Passover laws during the outbreak.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://t.me/MOHreport/3602|title=קורונה - משרד הבריאות|website=Telegram}}</ref> The guidelines included praying at home and not in a minyan, selling [[chametz]] online, and getting rid of chametz at home in ways other than burning, so as not to go out into the streets for the traditional burning of the chametz.<ref>{{cite web|last=Be'eri|first=Uriel|date=31 March 2020|title=הרבנות הראשית בהנחיות לחג הפסח בצל קורונה|trans-title=The Main Rabbinate [releases] Passover guidelines in the time of Corona|url=https://www.srugim.co.il/435459-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%94%D7%A0%D7%97%D7%99%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%9C%D7%97%D7%92-%D7%94%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%97-%D7%91%D7%A6%D7%9C-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402144507/https://www.srugim.co.il/435459-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%94%D7%A0%D7%97%D7%99%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%9C%D7%97%D7%92-%D7%94%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%97-%D7%91%D7%A6%D7%9C-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8|archive-date=2 April 2020|access-date=5 July 2020|website=סרוגים / Srugim}}</ref>

After back-and-forth discussions with representatives of the [[chevra kadisha]] (Jewish religious burial society), the Health Ministry allowed burial society members to proceed with many traditional aspects of burial for coronavirus victims. Burial workers will be garbed in full [[Personal protective equipment|protective gear]] to perform the ''[[Bereavement in Judaism#Preparing the body — Taharah|taharah]]'' (ritual purification) of the body, which will then be wrapped in the customary ''tachrichim'' (linen shrouds) followed by a layer of plastic. The funeral service must be held completely outdoors. Funeral attendees do not need to wear protective gear.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/burial-society-gears-up-for-covid-19-funerals-as-health-officials-lay-out-rules/|title=Burial society gears up for COVID-19 funerals, as health officials lay out rules|first=Marissa|last=Newman|date=March 22, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

On 26 March, the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]] was closed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rasgon |first=Adam |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalems-church-of-holy-sepulchre-closes-as-israel-ups-anti-virus-measures/ |title=Jerusalem's Church of Holy Sepulchre closes as Israel ups anti-virus measures |publisher=The Times of Israel |date=2020-03-26 |access-date=2020-04-06}}</ref> [[Ziyarat al-Nabi Shu'ayb]] is a [[Druze]] festival called [[Ziyara]] celebrated between 25 and 28 April which is officially recognized in [[Israel]] as a public holiday.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.druzehistoryandculture.com/historical_sites.htm |title=Druze Revered Sites in Palestine: Jethro's Tomb |access-date=3 September 2020 |archive-date=10 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060510125625/http://www.druzehistoryandculture.com/historical_sites.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Kais Firro|title=The Druzes in the Jewish State: A Brief History|date=1999|publisher=BRILL|isbn=9004112510|page=95}}</ref> [[Mowafaq Tarif]] the current spiritual leader of the [[Druze community in Israel]], announced that the traditional festivities of the Ziyarat al-Nabi Shu'ayb were canceled for the first time in the history of the Druze community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dayan.org/content/arab-society-israel-and-coronavirus-crisis|title=Arab Society in Israel and the Coronavirus Crisis|website=Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies|date=8 July 2020 }}</ref>

====Closures of cities and neighborhoods====
On 2 April, the cabinet voted by conference call to declare Bnei Brak a "restricted zone", limiting entry and exit to "residents, police, rescue services, those bringing essential supplies and journalists", for an initial period of one week. With a population of 200,000, Bnei Brak had the second-highest number of coronavirus cases of all Israeli cities in total numbers, and the highest rate per capita.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/cabinet-declares-bnei-brak-restricted-zone-readies-to-do-same-for-other-towns/|title=Cabinet declares Bnei Brak 'restricted zone,' readies to do same for other towns|first=Jacob|last=Magid|date=2 April 2020|access-date=2 April 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> On 10 April the closure was relaxed to allow residents to leave the city to go to work, attend a funeral of an immediate relative, or for essential medical needs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-bnei-brak-lockdown-extended-virus-cases-in-israel-up-3-percent-and-101-people-have-1.8759530|title=Bnei Brak Lockdown Extended; Virus Cases in Israel Up 3 Percent and 101 People Have Died|first=Bar|last=Peleg|date=12 April 2020|access-date=12 April 2020|work=Haaretz}}</ref> On April 12, the government imposed a closure on Haredi neighborhoods of Jerusalem, citing Ministry of Health statistics that nearly 75% of that city's coronavirus infections could be traced to these neighborhoods. The closure impacted [[Mea Shearim]], [[Geula]], [[Bukharim Quarter]], [[Romema]], [[Mekor Baruch]], [[Sanhedria]], [[Neve Yaakov]], [[Ramat Shlomo]], and [[Har Nof]]. Residents of these neighborhoods were allowed to leave to other areas only to go to work, attend funerals of immediate relatives, and for essential medical needs. The closure was opposed by the [[Mayor of Jerusalem]], [[Moshe Lion]], who reportedly told the government cabinet members: "Take the [[Ramot, Jerusalem|Ramot]] neighborhood for example — 60,000 residents and 140 of them sick. Why do we need to close off the whole neighborhood?"<ref name=jeru>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-ultra-orthodox-neighborhoods-to-be-locked-down-starting-sunday/|title=Jerusalem ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods to be locked down starting Sunday|date=12 April 2020|access-date=12 April 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

Lawmakers enforced a 3-day nationwide lockdown in conjunction with the [[Passover Seder]], which took place in Israel on Wednesday night, April 8. All travel between cities was prohibited from Tuesday evening until Friday evening. From Wednesday at 3 p.m. until Thursday at 7 a.m., all Israelis were prohibited from venturing more than {{cvt|100|m}} from their home. The goal of these measures was to prevent the traditional family gatherings associated with the Passover Seder. The lockdown did not apply to Arab towns, where Passover is not observed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/passover-closure-comes-into-effect-with-all-intercity-travel-banned/|title=Passover closure comes into effect, with all intercity travel banned|date=7 April 2020|access-date=7 April 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> Despite the lockdown, several prominent politicians, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, President of Israel [[Reuven Rivlin]], [[Yisrael Beiteinu]] party leader [[Avigdor Lieberman]], [[Ministry of Aliyah and Integration|Minister of Immigration and Absorption]] [[Yoav Gallant]], and [[Likud]] MK [[Nir Barkat]] were noted by the Israeli press to have celebrated the Seder or other parts of the festival with relatives who did not live with them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/rivlin-celebrated-passover-with-daughter-against-coronavirus-laws-report-624269|title=Rivlin celebrated Passover with daughter against coronavirus laws|work=The Jerusalem Post |date=11 April 2020 |access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liberman-like-netanyahu-and-rivlin-accused-of-flouting-ban-on-passover-guests/|title=Liberman, like Netanyahu and Rivlin, accused of flouting ban on Passover guests|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/likud-mk-flouts-virus-restrictions-during-passover-apologizes/|title=Likud MK flouts virus restrictions during Passover, apologizes|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-17}}</ref> A partial nationwide lockdown was again imposed from 14 to 16 April, preventing Israelis from visiting family in other towns, and Jerusalem residents from leaving their own neighborhoods, in conjunction with the [[Shevi'i shel Pesach|seventh day of Passover]] and the [[Mimouna]] holiday the following evening at the end of Passover.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-announces-fresh-nationwide-lockdown-for-end-of-passover/|title=Netanyahu announces fresh nationwide lockdown for end of Passover|date=13 April 2020|access-date=15 April 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

Throughout the month of [[Ramadan]], which began on April 25, stores in towns with majority Muslim populations (including [[East Jerusalem]]) were to be closed from 6 pm until 3 am. Indoor prayer for all religions was banned, while outdoor prayer was allowed for groups up to 19 people, distanced at least {{cvt|2|m}} apart.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/muslims-begin-marking-a-subdued-ramadan-under-virus-closures//|title=Muslims begin marking a subdued Ramadan under virus closures|date=24 April 2020|access-date=25 April 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

====Exit strategy====
On 24 April 2020, the government approved the reopening of street stores and barbershops, effective 26 April 2020. Malls, gyms, and restaurants without delivery services remained closed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/Q5PRHXAJI|title=Israel approves reopening of all streets stores, barbershops|date=4 April 2020|agency=Ynet}}</ref> On 7 May 2020, malls and outdoor markets reopened, with restrictions on the number of people allowed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/BkjylNW9U|title=Malls and markets reopen after Israel lifts coronavirus restrictions|date=7 May 2020|agency=Ynet}}</ref> On 27 May 2020, restaurants reopened, with 1.6&nbsp;meter distancing between diners, and masked staff.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=27 May 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/cafes-restaurants-begin-to-reopen-with-coronavirus-restrictions-in-place/|title=Cafes, restaurants begin to reopen — with coronavirus restrictions in place}}</ref>

On 3 May 2020, schools reopened for first to third grade, and 11th to 12th grade.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/schools-to-open-gates-on-sunday-morning-some-cities-refuse-626653|title=Schools open gates Sunday morning, some cities refuse|date=3 May 2020|agency=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> Classes were limited in size, and schoolchildren were required to wear masks. By 17 May 2020, limitations on class size were lifted.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/06/03/868507524/israel-orders-schools-to-close-when-covid-19-cases-are-discovered|title=After Reopening Schools, Israel Orders Them To Shut If COVID-19 Cases Are Discovered|date=3 June 2020|agency=NPR}}</ref> On 10 May 2020, preschools and kindergartens reopened, with limits on the number of children per class, and on a rotating half-week schedule. Nurseries were reopened with a full-week schedule, but allowing only 70% of the children to attend. Priority was given to children of single or working mothers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-israel-preschools/preschoolers-return-as-israel-further-eases-coronavirus-curbs-idUSKBN22M0EB|title=Preschoolers return as Israel further eases coronavirus curbs|date=10 May 2020|work=Reuters}}</ref> On 17 to 19 May 2020, schools reopened fully, with certain social distancing rules in place, including staggered recesses and maintaining 2&nbsp;meters distance between pupils during breaks. Children arriving at school were required to present a health statement signed by their parents.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-prepares-to-fully-reopen-education-system-this-week/|title=Israel prepares to fully reopen education system this week|date=16 May 2020|agency=The Times of Israel}}</ref> A number of schools were shut down after reopening due to cases among staff members or students.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-shuts-some-schools-as-coronavirus-cases-jump-after-reopening-11591203323|agency=The Wall Street Journal|date=3 June 2020|title=Israel Shuts Some Schools as Coronavirus Cases Jump After Reopening}}</ref>

On 4 May 2020, Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined a gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, approved by the government.<ref name="coronavirus-red-lines">{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/government-to-allow-malls-libraries-gyms-water-sports-starting-friday-626828|date=5 May 2020|title=Rolling out exit plan, Netanyahu unveils easing of lockdown restrictions|agency=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> Immediate changes included allowing outdoor meetings of groups not exceeding 20, removal of the 100-meter limit on venturing from homes, and allowing meetings with family members, including elderly. Weddings with up to 50 attendees were also allowed. The easing of restrictions would halt should one of the following occur:<ref name="coronavirus-red-lines" />
* 100 new daily cases (excluding individuals arriving from abroad, outbreaks in retirement homes, and cases in other current outbreak hotspots).
* the doubling time of infections decreases to 10 days.
* the number of patients in serious condition reaches 250.
Additional easing of restrictions was announced on 5 May 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/malls-libraries-gyms-and-zoos-the-businesses-that-can-reopen-under-new-rules/|title=No more 100-meter limit; malls, libraries to reopen: All the eased regulations|date=5 May 2020|agency=The Times of Israel}}</ref> On 19 May 2020, the requirement to wear masks outdoors and in schools was lifted for the remainder of the week due to a severe heat wave.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/due-to-heat-wave-israel-temporarily-lifts-mask-requirement-in-schools-outdoors/|title=Due to heat wave, Israel temporarily lifts mask requirement in schools, outdoors|date=19 May 2020|agency=The Times of Israel}}</ref> On 20 May 2020, beaches and museums reopened, and restrictions on the number of passengers on buses were relaxed. Houses of prayer reopened to groups of up to 50 people. Attendees were required to wear masks and maintain a distance of two meters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-openings-beaches-restaurants-entertainment-halls-and-more-628552|title=Coronavirus openings: Beaches, synagogues, restaurants and more|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=20 May 2020}}</ref>

====Economic impact====
On 16 March, Israel imposed limitations on the public and private sectors. All non-critical government and local authority workers were placed on paid leave until the end of the Passover holiday. Private sector firms exceeding 10 employees were required to reduce staff present in the workplace by 70%.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Intern-at-Ichilov-contracts-coronavirus-as-Israeli-cases-spike-to-250-621142|title=Coronavirus: Israel places severe limits on public, private sectors|date=16 March 2020}}</ref> On 30 March, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced an economic rescue package totaling 80 billion shekels ($22 billion), saying that was 6% of the country's GDP. The money will be allocated to health care (10 billion shekels); welfare and unemployment (30 billion shekels) aid for small and large businesses (32 billion shekels), and to financial stimulus (8 billion).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Haaretz|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/coronavirus-israel-netanyahu-breaking-news-1.8720108|title=Coronavirus in Israel: Netanyahu Announces New Restrictions Barring Gatherings of Over Two|date=2020-03-30|work=Haaretz|access-date=2020-03-30|language=en}}</ref> By 1 April, the national unemployment rate had reached 24.4 percent. In the month of March alone, more than 844,000 individuals applied for unemployment benefits—90 percent of whom had been placed on unpaid leave due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/The-number-of-unemployed-in-Israel-tops-1-million-for-the-first-time-623151|title=Israeli unemployment exceeds one million: 24.4% of workforce|first=Eytan|last=Halon|date=1 April 2020|access-date=1 April 2020|work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> During April 2020, [[Bituah Leumi]] deposited one-time payments to seniors, disabled people, people receiving income support or alimony payments, and families with children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.btl.gov.il/About/news/Pages/500grant.aspx|title=Bituah Leumi 500 NIS grants|date=7 April 2020}}</ref> On 16 June 2020, the [[Knesset]] passed a stimulus bill to encourage businesses to bring workers back from unemployment.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-approves-stimulus-bill-to-pay-businesses-thousands-to-bring-back-workers/|title=Knesset passes stimulus bill to pay businesses thousands to bring back workers|date=16 June 2020}}</ref>

=== Second wave: May to November 2020 ===
==== Government response ====
On July 1, the Knesset reauthorized ISA mobile phone tracking of infected individuals by enacting the Law to Authorize the ISA to Assist in the National Effort to Contain the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus (Temporary Provisions) 2020–5780.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cahane|first=Amir|date=July 3, 2020|title=Israel Reauthorizes Shin Bet's Coronavirus Location Tracking|url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/israel-reauthorizes-shin-bets-coronavirus-location-tracking|website=Lawfare}}</ref> As ISA location tracking resumed, by July 5, over 30,000 Israelis were ordered into quarantine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Over 30,000 Israelis ordered into quarantine as coronavirus digital tracking resumes|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-30-000-israelis-ordered-to-quarantine-as-digital-tracking-of-virus-patients-resumes-1.8970199|access-date=2020-07-05|website=Haaretz|language=en}}</ref> On 6 July 2020, following over two weeks of continued increase in the number of new daily cases, Netanyahu announced new social distancing guidelines, approved by the government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/06/world/coronavirus-updates.html|title=Israel tightens restrictions and is 'a step away from a full lockdown.'|work=The New York Times |date=5 July 2020|agency=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com|agency=The Times of Israel|date=5 July 2020|title=Government orders closure of event halls, culture venues, gyms and nightclubs}}</ref> These included:
* Restriction of social gatherings to 20 people.
* Limiting the number of synagogue worshippers to 19 people.
* Closure of gyms, night clubs, culture venues, and event halls.
* Limiting the number of people on public buses to 20.
* Limiting the number of restaurant guests to 20 indoors, or 30 for restaurants with outdoor seating.
On 17 July, additional restrictions were announced.<ref>{{cite news|agency=i24 News|title=Israeli gov't imposes new restrictions: Weekend lockdowns, closure of gyms, studios|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/coronavirus/1594955861-israel-new-restrictions-impose-weekend-lockdown-close-gyms-studios|date=17 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=17 July 2020|title=Coronavirus crisis: What are the new restrictions?|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/coronavirus-1758-new-patients-in-a-day-almost-200-in-serious-condition-635269}}</ref> These included:
* Closure of all studios and gyms, except for those used by professional athletes.
* No sitting in bars or restaurants (delivery service and take-away allowed).
* Weekend lockdown of non-essential businesses from 5:00pm Friday until 5:00am Sunday (supermarkets and pharmacies not included).
* Closure of beaches during weekend lockdown, starting 24 July 2020.
* Gatherings limited to 20 people outdoors, and 10 people indoors.
Due to pressure from business owners, the government backtracked on the closure of restaurants, pools, and beaches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/SyvnA0fxv|title=Israel to keep restaurants, pools open but gyms to remain closed|date=20 July 2020|agency=Ynet}}</ref> Weekend closures of malls and markets were also cancelled, following claims that the closures had not slowed infection rates.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-virus-death-toll-hits-600-as-ministers-approve-raft-of-restrictions/|title=Israel's virus death toll hits 600; outdoor cultural performances set to resume|agency=The Times of Israel|date=9 August 2020}}</ref>

On 31 August 2020, the coronavirus cabinet approved the 'traffic-light' plan introduced by Prof. [[Ronni Gamzu]], in which each city is assigned a color indicating its current level of COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=31 August 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/coronavirus-cabinet-to-convene-sneak-peek-at-gamzus-traffic-light-plan-640464|title=Red light, green light, go! Gamzu's traffic light plan passes}}</ref> On 6 September 2020, the government approved closure of schools and a night-time curfew for forty 'red' communities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel gov't approves night-time curfew for 40 'red zone' communities|date=6 September 2020|agency=i24News|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1599416755-israel-gov-t-approves-night-time-curfew-for-40-red-zone-communities}}</ref> This plan replaced Gamzu's proposal of full closure in ten 'red' towns and went into effect 8 September. The communities affected by the curfews were among the poorest in Israel, with mainly Arab and ultra-Orthodox population.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=8 September 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/1-3-million-israelis-locked-down-as-curfew-goes-into-effect-in-virus-hotspots/|title=1.3 million Israelis locked down as curfew kicks off in 40 virus hotspots}}</ref> Residents under curfew were restricted to 500&nbsp;meters distance from their homes, from 7pm to 5am.

On 10 September 2020, Israel became the country with the highest rate of COVID-19 infections per capita. As confirmed infections continued to rise daily, Israeli officials warned that hospitals would eventually be unable to confront the crisis.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rossman |first1=Hagai |last2=Meir |first2=Tomer |last3=Somer |first3=Jonathan |last4=Shilo |first4=Smadar |last5=Gutman |first5=Rom |last6=Ben Arie |first6=Asaf |last7=Segal |first7=Eran |last8=Shalit |first8=Uri |last9=Gorfine |first9=Malka |date=26 March 2021 |title=Hospital load and increased COVID-19 related mortality in Israel |journal=Nature Communications |volume= 12|issue= 1|page=1904 |doi=10.1038/s41467-021-22214-z |pmid=33771988 |pmc=7997985 |bibcode=2021NatCo..12.1904R }}</ref> On 13 September 2020, the government approved a 3-week country-wide lockdown, beginning Friday, 18 September at 2pm, and ending on 10 October. Restrictions include:<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=13 September 2020|title=Israel's cabinet approves three-week lockdown|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-cabinet-approves-three-week-lockdown-1001342554}}</ref>
* People will be limited to within 500&nbsp;meters of their homes, except for work and essential activities such as buying food and pharmacy goods.
* Closure of malls, stores (except food and pharmacies), hotels, restaurants, fitness clubs and swimming pools.
* Gatherings limited to 10 people indoors, or 20 people outdoors.
* Closure of schools except for special education and certain boarding schools (online schooling permitted for all schools).
* No sitting in bars or restaurants (delivery service allowed).
The 3-week lockdown took place during the [[High Holy Days|high holidays]], during which many Jews attend synagogue. The lockdown rules for prayer were as follows:<ref>{{cite news|agency=Maariv (in Hebrew)|date=14 September 2020|title=ישראל הולכת לסגר: מה אסור ומה מותר ומתי ההגבלות ייכנסו לתוקף|url=https://www.maariv.co.il/corona/corona-israel/Article-789510}}</ref>
* Outdoor prayer groups limited to 20 people.
* Indoor prayer groups limited to <math>N</math> groups of 10 people, with <math>N</math> depending on the number of entrances <math>E</math>, as follows:
<math>N=3E\,\,\,</math> for <math>E<=2</math>.
<br /><math>N=6+2\times(E-2)\,\,\,</math>  for <math>E>2</math>.
<br />In either case, the total number of people 10<math>N</math> should not exceed <math>A/4</math>, where <math>A</math> is the area of the room in square meters.

On 23 September 2020, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced stricter lockdown rules after a new daily coronavirus record of 6,923 infections was reported in Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/6e3441fcc0ee15484f4ac8fc3fa9c625|title=Israel's Netanyahu calls for tough lockdown as virus rages|access-date=23 September 2020|website=AP News|date=23 September 2020}}</ref> These included:<ref>{{cite news|date=23 September 2020|agency=The Times of Israel|title=Ministers agree on full lockdown, more severe than Israel's first|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ministers-said-to-agree-on-full-lockdown-more-severe-than-countrys-first/}}</ref>
* Closure of synagogues, excepted for limited prayers on [[Yom Kippur]].
* Participation in demonstrations only within 1&nbsp;km from home.
* Closure of Ben Gurion Airport to outgoing flights.
On 13 October the lockdown was extended for an additional week, until midnight 18 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date = 13 October 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/will-israel-exit-lockdown-coronavirus-cabinet-to-convene-tuesday-645539| title=Lockdown extended until Sunday at midnight - Gantz and Netanyahu agree}}</ref>

While restrictions were eased in most of the country, local lockdowns were imposed in the following towns due to high case numbers: [[Majdal Shams]] and [[Masade]] (starting on 6 November 2020), [[Buqata]] (starting on 7 November), [[Hazor Haglilit]] (starting on 8 November),<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=6 November 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ministers-expected-to-approve-2-local-lockdowns-in-virus-hit-northern-areas/|title=Ministers expected to approve 2 local lockdowns in virus-hit northern areas}}</ref> [[Qalansawe]] and [[Iksal]] (starting on 17 November 2020),<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=November 2020|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/SkOFxwxcP|title=Arab towns Qalansawe and Iksal designated restricted coronavirus zones}}</ref> [[Nazareth]] and [[Isfiya]] (starting on 21 November).<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=20 November 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ministers-approve-lockdowns-for-northern-towns-of-nazareth-and-isfiya/|title=Ministers approve lockdowns for northern towns of Nazareth and Isfiya}}</ref>

A number of steps were taken to provide financial assistance:
* A one-time payment for each citizen was given out in two instalments: the first for parents of children under the age of 18, and the second for individuals 18 or older.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.btl.gov.il:80/Corona/Pages/MaanakEzrach.aspx|title=מענק לכל אזרח - הנחיות הביטוח הלאומי בעקבות הקורונה &#124; ביטוח לאומי|website=www.btl.gov.il}}</ref>
* Unemployment pay was extended through 30 June 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.btl.gov.il:80/Corona/IdkunAvtala/Pages/IdkunAVTALA29-07-2020.aspx|title=עדכונים אחרונים בתנאי זכאות ותשלום דמי אבטלה - כל העדכונים בנושא אבטלה &#124; ביטוח לאומי|website=www.btl.gov.il}}</ref>
* An additional grant was provided for low-income workers over age 67 who were fired or forced to take a leave of absence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.btl.gov.il:80/benefits/Unemployment/covid19_avt/prisa/Pages/gil-prisa.aspx|title=מענק הסתגלות לבני 67 ומעלה עד יוני 2021 - דמי אבטלה או מענק הסתגלות לעובדים שהגיעו לגיל פרישה &#124; ביטוח לאומי|website=www.btl.gov.il}}</ref>
* Grants for businesses whose income suffered due to the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.il/he/service/grant-for-corona-period-3|title=מענק סיוע לעסקים - השתתפות בהוצאות קבועות - פעימה שלישית &#124; רשות המסים בישראל}}</ref>
On 21 September 2020, the government unanimously approved a 10% pay cut for all Knesset members and government ministers.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=21 September 2020|title=Ministers to get 10% pay cut|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/ministers-asked-to-support-10-percent-pay-cut-deri-calls-for-twice-that-amount-643027}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=21 September 2020|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/economy/article/rJn2Ur8Bw#autoplay|title=הממשלה אישרה הצעה לקיצוץ שכר הח"כים והשרים ב-10%}}</ref>

==== Protests ====
{{further|Protests against Benjamin Netanyahu}}
During July and August 2020, many protests were held, with protesters voicing frustration over the response of the Netanyahu-led government to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|agency=France 24|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200719-thousands-in-israel-protest-government-s-coronavirus-response|title=Thousands in Israel protest Netanyahu's coronavirus response|date=19 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=27 July 2020|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/r1wPIx3eD|title=Coronavirus crisis sparks a young Israeli protest movement}}</ref> On 30 September, Israel's parliament passed a law limiting demonstrations which the opposition said was intended to curb protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged corruption and his mismanagement of the coronavirus crisis. The law prohibited Israelis from holding large gatherings more than {{convert|1|km|mi|spell=in|frac=8|abbr=off}} from their residences. The government defended the measure as a way to curb [[COVID-19]] infections.<ref>{{cite news |title= Israel passes law to limit protests during coronavirus lockdown |url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/30/israel-passes-law-to-limit-protests-during-coronaviruslockdown |work= Al Jazeera |date= September 30, 2020 |access-date= 1 October 2020 |archive-date= 10 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201010150905/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/30/israel-passes-law-to-limit-protests-during-coronaviruslockdown |url-status= dead }}</ref> On 3 October, numerous anti-Netanyahu protests were held throughout Israel after the passage of legislation limiting demonstrations during the lockdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-october-03-2020/|title=Tel Aviv protesters disperse after facing off with cops; over 20 arrested|work=The Times of Israel|date=2020-10-03|access-date=2020-10-04}}</ref> The Black Flag movement estimated that 130,000 people took part in Saturday's protests against Netanyahu in cities and towns across Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-despite-restrictions-anti-netanyahu-protests-continue-at-thousands-of-locations-1.9205689|title=Clashes, Arrests as Hundreds of anti-Netanyahu Protests Held Across Israel Under Lockdown|work=Haaretz|date=2020-10-04|access-date=2020-10-04}}</ref>

==== 2020–2021 school year ====
The Haredi school year started on 24 August 2020, before the 'traffic light' plan was approved.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=24 August 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/haredi-school-year-opens-amidst-coronavirus-concerns-639724|title=Haredi school year opens amidst coronavirus concerns}}</ref> All other schools in non-'red' cities opened on 1 September 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|title=COVID-19: Israeli schools open this morning - but not in red cities|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-czar-insists-schools-cannot-open-in-israels-red-cities-640598|date=1 September 2020}}</ref> Within a week, a number of schools and kindergartens reported outbreaks, leading to quarantine of exposed staff members and students.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=5 September 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/coronavirus-in-israel-outbreaks-reported-in-schools-in-multiple-cities-641196|title=Coronavirus in Israel: Outbreaks reported in schools in multiple cities}}</ref> Physical schools, kindergartens and nurseries closed at the beginning of the 3-week lockdown, on 13 September, with classes continuing online.<ref>{{cite news|agency= The Times of Israel|date=13 September 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-to-enter-3-week-lockdown-from-friday-schools-malls-hotels-to-be-closed/|title=Israel to enter 3-week lockdown from Friday; schools, malls, hotels to be closed}}</ref> Kindergartens and nurseries reopened on 18 October, including in 'red' cities.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 October 2020|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/easing-restrictions-israel-begins-opening-up-from-second-lockdown/|title=Easing restrictions, Israel begins opening up from second lockdown}}</ref> Grades 1 to 4 reopened on 1 November, in non-'red' cities. Class size was limited to 18 children. Students were required to wear masks throughout the day and eat their meals outdoors or spaced far apart from one another.<ref name="1 Nov easing"/> Grades 5 and 6 returned to school on 24 November.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=23 November 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/education-minister-says-hell-push-to-open-all-grades-starting-next-week/|title=Education minister says he'll push to open all grades starting next week}}</ref> High school grades 11 and 12 returned on 29 November.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=29 November 2020|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1A7GTxoD|title=Israeli high schools reopen amid spike in virus infection}}</ref> Schools reopened for remaining grades 7–10 on 6 December.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=6 December 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-school-system-now-open-for-all-students-as-another-lockdown-looms/|title=Israel's school system now open for all students as another lockdown looms}}</ref> After the [[Hanukkah]] break, over 220,000 students from grades 5–12 in 'orange' and 'red' cities went back to online studies.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=20 December 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-222000-students-in-red-and-orange-cities-stay-at-home-652685|title=Coronavirus: 222,000 students in red and orange cities stay at home}}</ref>

==== Exit strategy ====
On 18 October 2020 Israel eased lockdown restrictions in non-'red' cities. The first stage of the exit strategy included:<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynetnews|date=18 October 2020|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/BkpbqLKwv|title=Israel steps out of coronavirus lockdown and rolls back restrictions}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=i24News|date=18 October 2020|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/coronavirus/1602997124-israel-begins-rolling-back-coronavirus-lockdown-measures-as-kindergartens-temple-mount-reopen|title=Israel begins rolling back coronavirus lockdown measures as kindergartens reopen}}</ref>
* Reopening of kindergartens and nurseries.
* Eateries open to take-out in addition to delivery.
* Travel no longer restricted to 1&nbsp;km from home.
* Indoor gatherings of up to 10 people, and outdoor gatherings up to 20, allowed.
* Reopening of prominent religious sites in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
* Reopening of beaches and national parks.
On 1 November 2020 Israel eased restrictions further:<ref name="1 Nov easing">{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=1 November 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/school-is-back-in-session-for-grades-1-4-as-lockdown-eased-synagogues-reopen/|title=School is back in session for grades 1-4 as lockdown eased; synagogues reopen}}</ref>
* Reopening of elementary schools (grades 1–4).
* Reopening of synagogues (limited to 10 people indoors, 20 outdoors).
* Reopening of bed-and-breakfasts.
* Reopening of hair and beauty salons.
* Resumption of some "one-on-one" activities, including driving lessons and personal fitness training.
On 8 November 2020, street-front stores reopened.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 November 2020|agency=The Times of Israel|title=Street shops reopen after long closure, but some businesses succumb to virus|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/street-shops-reopen-after-long-closure-but-some-businesses-succumb-to-virus/}}</ref> Strip malls reopened on 17 November 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=17 November 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-cases-rise-eilat-and-dead-sea-open-to-israeli-tourists-strip-malls-reopen/|title=As cases rise, Eilat and Dead Sea to greet Israeli tourists; strip malls reopen}}</ref> 15 malls opened as part of a pilot plan on 27 November 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=27 November 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-flood-reopened-malls-as-taskforce-warns-of-clear-rise-in-virus-cases/|title=Israelis flood reopened malls as task force warns of clear rise in virus cases}}</ref>

=== Third wave: November 2020 to April 2021 ===
In December 2020, cases steadily increased, reaching over 3,000 new cases daily and over 5% test positivity rate.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=22 December 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/edelstein-no-choice-but-to-go-into-lockdown-israel-in-a-critical-situation/|title=Edelstein: Israel 'has entered the 3rd wave,' no choice but to go into lockdown}}</ref> Multiple countries announced the appearance of new and more infectious COVID-19 strains; towards the end of December, first cases of the [[SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant|Alpha variant]] were detected in Israel.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Forbes|date=24 December 2020|title=Here's Where 3 New Strains Of Covid-19 Have Traveled So Far|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2020/12/24/heres-where-3-new-strains-of-covid-19-have-traveled-so-far/}}</ref> First cases of the [[SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant|Beta variant]] were detected in January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=9 January 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/117-more-cases-of-british-coronavirus-mutation-discovered-in-israel-654757|title=Coronavirus: First cases of South African mutation found in Israel}}</ref>

==== Travel ban ====
On 20 December 2020, Israel announced an entry ban on all foreign travelers arriving from the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Denmark.<ref>{{cite news|date=20 December 2020|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/entry-banned-to-foreigners-from-uk-returning-israelis-sent-to-quarantine-hotels/|title=Entry banned to foreigners from UK; returning Israelis sent to quarantine hotels}}</ref> Israelis returning from these countries were required to enter state-run quarantine hotels. On 24 January 2021, the government announced a week-long ban on most incoming and outgoing flights, effective on Monday January 25 at midnight, to prevent entry of new variants into Israel.<ref>{{cite news|date=25 January 2021|agency=France 24|title=Israel 'closes skies' to air travel to prevent spread of Covid-19 variants|url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210125-israel-closes-skies-to-air-travel-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus-variants}}</ref> The flight restrictions were extended multiple times: until 5 February 2021,<ref name="ynetnews.com"/> then until 21 February 2021,<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=5 February 2021|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-cabinet-extends-closure-of-ben-gurion-airport-1001359724|title=Cabinet extends closure of Ben Gurion airport}}</ref> and later until 6 March 2021. Daily flights, for new immigrants and for Israelis stranded outside Israel, were available as of 22 February 2021, for up to 2,000 passengers.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=19 February 2021|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-extends-airport-closure-into-march-1001361333|title=Israel extends airport closure into March}}</ref> The number of daily entries was increased to 3,000 on 7 March 2021.<ref name="reopening">{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=7 March 2021 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-reopens-all-the-new-rules-from-march-7/ |title=Israel reopens: All the new rules from March 7}}</ref>

==== Third nationwide lockdown ====
On 24 December 2020, the government declared a third nationwide lockdown, to begin on 27 December 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=24 December 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-third-lockdown-rules-everything-you-need-to-know-653072|title=Third coronavirus lockdown rules - everything you need to know}}</ref> Restrictions included:
* Traveling limited to 1,000&nbsp;meter radius from home (individual sporting activities are allowed).
* Gatherings limited to 10 people indoors or 20 people outdoors, for approved events (e.g. funerals and weddings).
* Visiting another person's home is forbidden.
* Closure of all non-essential stores and services.
* Businesses that do not receive customers can remain open at 50% capacity or up to 10 employees, whichever is greater.
* Restaurants will open for delivery only.
* Closure of [[bed and breakfast]]s, zoos, safaris and parks.
* Closure of alternative medicine centers, beauty, and hair salons.
* Cancellation of driving lessons.
* Public transportation reduced to 50% capacity.
Preschoolers through grade 4, grades 11–12, and special education, are to continue physical schooling as usual, even in "orange" and "red" cities. While the initial government decision called for remote learning for grades 5–10, this decision was revised by the Knesset Education Committee: in "green" and "yellow" cities, grades 5-10 are to continue in-person schooling, while schools in "orange" and "red" cities will switch to remote learning.<ref>{{cite news|date=27 December 2020|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/controversy-over-schools-opening-as-third-lockdown-begins-653426|title=Third COVID-19 lockdown begins as controversy surrounds schools opening}}</ref> In April 2021, Israel lifted its outdoor and indoor mask mandates, as it was the country with the fastest vaccination campaign worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-lifts-outdoor-mask-mandate-fully-reopens-schools/amp/|title=Israel lifts outdoor mask mandate, fully reopens schools &#124; The Times of Israel}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/15/world/middleeast/israel-indoor-mask-vaccine.html | title=Israel ends its indoor mask mandate after a robust vaccination campaign | work=The New York Times | date=15 June 2021 | last1=Slotnik | first1=Daniel E. | last2=Minder | first2=Raphael | last3=Cave | first3=Damien }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/18/world/israelis-mask-mandate.html | title=Israel, a world leader in vaccinations, lifts its outdoor mask mandate | work=The New York Times | date=18 April 2021 | last1=Kershner | first1=Isabel }}</ref> But it reimposed the indoor mask mandate due to an increase in infections.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57594155.amp | title=Israel reimposes masks amid new virus fears | date=25 June 2021 }}</ref>

During the first week of January 2021, there were over 8,000 new cases daily.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=5 January 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/daily-infections-surge-past-8300-with-7-6-of-covid-tests-positive/|title=Daily infections surge past 8,300, with 7.6% of COVID tests positive}}</ref> On 5 January 2021, the government announced a two-week long, complete lockdown, effective midnight Thursday 7 January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=5 January 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/edelstein-calls-for-total-corona-lockdown-warns-of-hundreds-of-dead-654325|title=Coronavirus lockdown to begin Thursday at midnight and last two weeks}}</ref> The tightened restrictions include:
* Gatherings limited to 5 people indoors or 10 people outdoors, except for funerals, weddings and [[Brit milah]]s which gathering limited to 10 people indoors or 20 people outdoors.
* Closing the entire education system including preschools, except special education. Grade schools to continue online schooling.
* Travel abroad allowed only for essential purposes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.il/en/departments/guides/flying-to-israel-guidlines?chapterIndex=1|title=Air travel to and from Israel|agency=Ministry of Health}}</ref>
On 19 January 2021 the tight lockdown was extended until the end of January.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=19 January 2021|title=Coronavirus in Israel: Cabinet extends lockdown until the end of January|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-israel-registers-record-of-10000-new-cases-in-a-single-day-655930}}</ref> The tight lockdown was initially extended until 5 February 2021,<ref name="ynetnews.com">{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=1 February 2021|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HkjMjDNed|title=Israel extends lockdown by 4 days amid 'worst infection wave'}}</ref> and then until 7 February 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=6 February 2021|title=Coronavirus: Gov't to meet on schools Sunday as lockdown ends|url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/lockdown-ends-sunday-at-7-am-heres-what-you-need-to-know-657955}}</ref> The government approved a curfew from 8:30&nbsp;p.m. to 5:00&nbsp;a.m. for the three nights of 25–27 February, in an attempt to limit spread of the virus during [[Purim]] holiday activities.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=23 February 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/corona-vaccination-more-than-70-percent-of-israelis-over-16-have-been-jabbed-659882|title=Coronavirus: Israeli gov't approves Purim night curfew}}</ref>

==== Exit strategy ====
On 7 February 2021 Israel began easing lockdown restrictions:<ref>{{cite news|work=Reuters|date=5 February 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-israel/israel-extends-covid-19-lockdown-to-sunday-will-ease-it-slowly-idUSL1N2KB0B9|title=Israel extends COVID-19 lockdown to Sunday, will ease it slowly}}</ref>
* Restrictions on travel within and between towns were lifted.
* Workplaces that do not receive customers were reopened.
* Open-air nature reserves and parks were reopened.

During the third lockdown many Israelis were vaccinated against COVID-19. On 21 February 2021, the government implemented [https://corona.health.gov.il/en/directives/green-pass-info/ green passes] for those who were fully vaccinated or were infected and recovered.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=20 February 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-israels-green-passport-program-659437|title=Everything you need to know about Israel's green passport program}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Dada|first1=Sara|last2=Battles|first2=Heather|last3=Pilbeam|first3=Caitlin|last4=Singh|first4=Bhagteshwar|last5=Solomon|first5=Tom|last6=Gobat|first6=Nina|date=2021-09-27|title=Learning from the past & present: social science implications for COVID-19 immunity-based documentation|journal=Humanities and Social Sciences Communications|language=en|volume=8|issue=1|pages=1–9|doi=10.1057/s41599-021-00898-4|issn=2662-9992|doi-access=free|hdl=2292/57015|hdl-access=free}}</ref> Green passes are required for the following:
* entry into gyms, theaters, hotels, and concerts.
* entry into synagogues registered to the plan.

On 7 March 2021, restrictions were eased further. Rules include:<ref name="reopening"/>
* Gatherings of up to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors are allowed.
* In-person interactions with the public for non-essential services are allowed (if the service cannot be provided remotely).
* Temperature checks for those entering public locations or businesses are canceled.
* Events of up to 300 people and up to 50% venue capacity are allowed, with up to 5% non-green-pass-holders with negative test results allowed.
* Indoor dining at restaurants allowed at 75% capacity with 2&nbsp;meters between tables, for up to 100 green pass holders. Outdoor seating of up to 100 outdoors (no green pass required).
* Places of worship not registered with green pass limited to 20 people inside, 50 outside. Those registered limited to 50% capacity (fixed seating) or 1 person per each 7&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>.
* Tourist attractions open for green pass holders.
* Entry of Israeli citizens via Ben Gurion airport to increase to 3000 daily. Exit available to all those holding vaccination or recovery certificates.
* Entry into Israel via land crossings with Jordan: open twice weekly.
Green passes can be generated for those who have recovered from the virus or who are fully vaccinated (1 week after the second dose) using the Ministry of Health's Traffic Light app.

Preschools, kindergartens, and grades 1-4 reopened on 11 February 2021 in "yellow" and "green" areas, and in "light orange" areas that had at least 70% of their community vaccinated.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=11 February 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-serious-patients-decrease-as-schools-prepare-to-reopen-658467|title=Coronavirus: Some Israeli children return to school today}}</ref> Grades 5-6 and grades 11-12 returned to school in "yellow", "green", and "light orange" areas on 21 February 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=21 February 2021|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/Bk64nk1fO#autoplay|title=Hebrew, to be replaced by English source when available.}}</ref> Grades 7-10 returned to school in "yellow", "green", and "light orange" areas on 7 March 2021.<ref name="reopening" /> Universities reopened with in-person classes for green pass holders on 7 March 2021.<ref name="reopening" /> On 18 April 2021, schools reopened fully, with in-person classes and no special limitations on class size. Students are still required to wear masks indoors but are allowed to take them off during gym class, when they eat, and in between classes.<ref name="schools_masks">{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date = 18 April 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-lifts-outdoor-mask-mandate-fully-reopens-schools/|title=Israel lifts outdoor mask mandate, fully reopens schools}}</ref>

=== Period following vaccination campaign: April to June 2021 ===
Following the [[COVID-19 vaccination in Israel|national vaccination campaign]] during late December to April 2021, Israel reached a vaccination rate of over 50% of the population, and 9% recovered from COVID-19, with resulting drops in new cases and deaths.<ref>{{cite news|date=11 April 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-may-have-reached-a-sort-of-herd-immunity-expert-says/|title=Israel may have reached a 'sort of herd immunity' from COVID, expert says}}</ref> In April 2021, first cases of the [[SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant|Delta variant]] were detected in Israel.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=20 April 2021|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/By2OjehUu|title=Israel logs Indian COVID variant, sees some vaccine efficacy against it}}</ref> In May 2021, first cases of the [[SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant|Gamma variant]] were detected too.<ref>{{cite news|date=2021-05-03|title=שני מקרים ראשונים של הזן הברזילאי של קורונה בישראל, אחד הנדבקים מחוסן|trans-title=First two cases of the Brazilian strain of Corona in Israel, one of the infected is vaccinated|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/BJiJMjpvu|access-date=2021-05-03|website=ynet|language=he|last1=ינקו|first1=אדיר|last2=דרוקמן|first2=ירון}}</ref>

On 18 April 2021, the requirement for masks outdoors was cancelled. Masks were still required indoors in public places, and The Ministry of Health recommended that they be worn outdoors in large gatherings.<ref name = "schools_masks"/> On 15 June 2021, the requirement for masks indoors, in schools, and on public transportation was cancelled.<ref>{{cite news|date = 15 June 2021|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/By5zU6SiO|title=Israel drops indoor mask mandate as COVID infection rates plummet|agency=Ynet}}</ref>

On 23 April 2021, Israel issued a [[travel warning]] for Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey, and Ukraine due to their high COVID-19 morbidity rates.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Haaretz|date=23 April 2021|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-issues-travel-warning-for-turkey-india-five-other-countries-over-covid-1.9737576|title=Israel Issues Travel Warning for Turkey, India, Five Other Countries Over COVID}}</ref> On 2 May 2021, the government [[Travel ban|banned the travel]] of Israelis [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|to India]], [[COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico|to Mexico]], [[COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa|to South Africa]], [[COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil|to Brazil]], [[COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine|to Ukraine]], [[COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia|to Ethiopia]] and [[COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey|to Turkey]] unless they receive special permission. Israelis returning from these countries must isolate for either 14 days with one PCR test taken upon arrival, or 10 days with two negative PCR tests.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=3 May 2021|title=Israel's ban on travel to 7 countries over COVID variants takes effect|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-ban-on-travel-to-7-countries-over-covid-variants-takes-effect/}}</ref> The current list of 'red' countries for which isolation is required can be found on the Ministry of Health website.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/DynamicCollectors/green-red-countries?skip=0&country_status_id=5|title = The government services and information website}}</ref>

On 5 May 2021, the government extended the validity of green passes for those vaccinated or recovered until December 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=5 May 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/coronavirus-green-pass-extended-to-2021-no-need-of-third-shot-beforehand-667269|title=Coronavirus: Green pass extended through 2021, no need for third shot beforehand}}</ref> On 1 June 2021 Israel lifted many COVID-19 restrictions, including limitations on the number of people at both indoor and outdoor gatherings, and green pass requirements. Restrictions on international travel remain in place.<ref>{{cite news|date=1 June 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/back-to-normal-israel-lifts-nearly-all-covid-restraints-as-virus-fades-away/|title=Back to normal: Israel lifts nearly all COVID restraints as virus fades away}}</ref> Testing protocols remain in place for containing new outbreaks, particularly in schools and among international travellers.<ref>{{cite news|date= 1 June 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/3-steps-israel-will-take-to-keep-covid-cases-low-as-restrictions-lifted-669763|title=3 steps Israel will take to keep COVID cases low as restrictions lifted}}</ref>

=== Fourth wave: June to November 2021 ===
Daily case numbers began rising at the end of June 2021, reaching over 1000 daily cases on 17 July 2021<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date = 17 July 2021|title=More than 1,000 Israelis test positive for COVID|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/for-first-time-since-march-855-new-coronavirus-cases-in-israel-674084}}</ref> and peaking at over 10,000 during September 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=3 September 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|title=New daily infections top 10,000 for 4th day, but serious cases fall further|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-daily-infections-top-10000-for-4th-straight-day-serious-cases-further-dip/}}</ref> The number of hospitalizations also rose.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Israel Hayom|date=13 July 2021|url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/07/13/israels-4th-covid-wave-sees-surge-in-new-cases-with-81-hospitalized/|title=Israel's 4th COVID wave sees surge in new cases, with 81 hospitalized}}</ref>

On 19 October 2021, the first case of [[Delta variant]] AY.4.2 was detected in Israel.<ref>{{cite news|date=19 October 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|title=First case of new Delta mutation AY4.2 diagnosed in Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/first-case-of-new-delta-mutation-ay4-2-diagnosed-in-israel/}}</ref> Subsequent tests revealed 5 earlier cases of the variant.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=21 October 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/covid-outbreak-in-jerusalem-school-41-students-infected-682684|title=Coronavirus: Additional 5 cases of new AY4.2 variant identified in Israel}}</ref>

==== Government response ====

On 25 June 2021, the requirement for mask indoors was reinstituted due to the rise in cases.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=25 June 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/virus-czar-says-indoor-mask-rule-could-be-back-friday-as-daily-cases-top-200/|title=Israel reimposes indoor mask requirement as daily cases top 200}}</ref> On 29 July 2021, the green pass requirement was reinstituted for indoor events with 100 or more participants.<ref>{{cite news|date=29 July 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/green-pass-in-effect-israelis-require-jab-certificate-for-indoor-events-675226|title=Green Pass in effect: Israelis require jab certificate for indoor events}}</ref>

On 29 July 2021, a third vaccination was approved for persons aged 60 or older due to observed waning efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine to the prevalent [[SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant|Delta variant]].<ref name="CNBC delta">{{cite news|agency=CNBC|title=Israel to give Pfizer Covid booster shots to people over 60 as efficacy appears to wane amid delta|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/29/delta-variant-israel-to-give-pfizer-covid-booster-shots-to-elderly-.html}}</ref> The vaccine booster was later approved for all those 12 and older.<ref name="booster" />

On 8 August 2021, restrictions renewed by the government came into effect to slow the spread of the Delta variant and included expanding proof of vaccine and mask-wearing requirements for some gatherings, and a shift back to more work from home, quarantines, and travel restrictions.<ref>{{cite news | last=Fox | first=Nina | title=Israel's new COVID restrictions take hold amid ongoing surge | website=ynetnews | date=2021-08-08 | url=https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/hkxwwjtky | access-date=2021-08-08}}</ref>

==== 2021–2022 school year ====
Prime Minister [[Naftali Bennett]] approved a testing plan for students during the 2021–2022 school year. Serological testing of all students in grades 1 through 6 is planned. Students with a positive serological result will receive a green pass and will be exempt from quarantine during the school year. Families of kindergarten and elementary school children will receive home-testing kits and will be required to test their children within 48 hours of the first day of school.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=8 August 2021|title=Testing, testing and more testing: Israel lays out plan for reopening schools|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/testing-testing-and-more-testing-israel-lays-out-plan-for-reopening-schools/}}</ref>
In a pilot of the serology test carried out in Haredi schools, which reopened on 9 August 2021, approximately 20% of children tested positive.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=10 August 2021|title=Serological testing of children in Haredi cities shows 20% recovered from COVID|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/serological-tests-of-children-in-haredi-cities-shows-20-recovered-from-covid/}}</ref>

Beginning 10 October 2021, Israel adopted the 'green classroom' outline for grades 1–12 in 'green' cities.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 October 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israels-green-classroom-covid-outline-to-start-on-sunday-681425|title=Israel's 'Green Classroom' COVID outline to start on Sunday}}</ref> According to the outline, if a child tests positive, the child's classmates undergo [[COVID-19 testing|PCR]] testing. Classmates who test negative are allowed to return to school, but must avoid social contact with non-classmates after school hours. Instead of quarantine, the classmates are required to take antigen tests for 7 days, followed by a second PCR test. The children resume regular studies and afterschool activities when the second PCR tests are negative for the whole class. This outline was extended to 'yellow' cities and to daycare on 24 October 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=19 October 2021|agency=The Medialine|url=https://themedialine.org/corona-updates/israel-to-expand-green-classroom-pilot-program/|title=Israel to expand Green Classroom pilot program}}</ref>

=== Fifth wave: December 2021 to May 2022 ===
First cases of the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant|Omicron variant]] were detected in Israel in the end of November 2021,<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=7 December 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/coronavirus/israels-first-omicron-covid-case-i-am-still-weak-688107|title=First Israeli Omicron COVID case: 'I am still weak}}</ref> reaching 175 cases on 19 December 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=i24 News|date=19 December 2021|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/coronavirus/1639940052-bennett-warns-fifth-wave-has-begun-as-omicron-spreads|title=Bennett warns 'fifth wave has begun' as omicron spreads}}</ref> Daily cases increased to over 80,000 at the end of January 2022.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=24 January 2022|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/sunday-sees-83088-covid-cases-in-israel-a-new-daily-record/|title=Sunday sees 83,088 COVID cases in Israel, a new daily record}}</ref> Despite having administered enough doses to fully vaccinate 98.6% of the country,<ref>{{cite news|work = Reuters|date=31 January 2022|url=https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/countries-and-territories/israel|title=Reuters COVID-19 Tracker}}</ref> Israel health authorities expressed concern about breaking the record for serious infections in late January 2022.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=26 January 2022|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-officials-said-to-warn-country-will-soon-break-own-record-for-serious-cases|title=Health officials said to warn country will soon break own record for serious cases}}</ref>

==== Travel restrictions ====
Israel banned the entry of foreigners on 28 November 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Al-Jazeera|date=28 November 2021|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/28/israel-to-ban-entry-of-all-foreigners-over-omicron|title=Israel tightens travel restrictions over new COVID variant}}</ref> Israel further listed 'red' countries to which travel of Israelis was banned.<ref>{{cite news|date=12 December 2021|agency=VOA News|title=Israel Imposing Travel Ban for Britain, Denmark, Belgium over Omicron Spread|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/israel-imposing-travel-ban-for-britain-denmark-belgium-over-omicron-spread/6351055.html}}</ref> Travel restrictions on Israelis were removed on January 6, 2022, and foreigners complying with 'Green Pass' rules were allowed to enter starting January 9, 2022.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=6 January 2022|title=Israel removes travel restrictions|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-removes-travel-restrictions-1001397730}}</ref>

==== School guidelines ====
Israel scrapped the 'traffic light' plan for in-person school attendance, thereby easing schools' ability to hold in-person classes. Instead, beginning 9 January 2022, children testing positive were required to self-isolate for 10 days. Vaccinated children who were exposed were allowed to return to school after a negative rapid antigen test, while unvaccinated children were required to isolate for 10 days.<ref>{{cite news|date=9 January 2022|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-covid-rules-for-schools-take-effect-borders-reopened-to-vaccinated-foreigners/|title=New COVID rules for schools take effect; borders reopened to vaccinated foreigners}}</ref> The isolation requirements for exposed schoolchildren were cancelled on 27 January 2022. Instead, children will undergo two home tests weekly, on Sunday and Wednesday. Children who test positive at home are required to take an official test and, if positive, isolate for 5 days. Those exposed are recommended to undergo daily tests for 5 days, but are not required to isolate.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 January 2022|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/rejecting-health-concerns-government-nixes-quarantine-for-kids-starting-thursday/|title=Rejecting health concerns, government nixes quarantine for kids starting Thursday}}</ref>

==== 4th vaccine dose ====
Israel began offering a 4th dose of the Pfizer vaccine to those 60 or older on 2 January 2022.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The New York Times|date=2 January 2022|title=Israel will offer a 4th Covid shot to people 60 and over.|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/03/world/israel-will-offer-a-4th-covid-shot-to-people-60-and-over.html |last1=Kershner |first1=Isabel }}</ref> The 4th dose was later recommended for all those aged 18 or older.<ref>{{cite news|date=25 January 2022|agency=The Times of Israel|title=Health Ministry experts back 4th COVID vaccine dose for over-18s|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-ministry-experts-back-4th-covid-vaccine-dose-for-over-18s/}}</ref>

==== Green Pass restrictions ====
On 7 February 2022, the requirement to hold a 'Green Pass' or a recent negative test when entering restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, and hotels was removed. 'Green Passes' are still required for entry into event halls and dance clubs.<ref>{{cite news|date=7 February 2022|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/green-pass-covid-restrictions-rolled-back-amid-drop-in-case-count/|title=Green Pass COVID restrictions rolled back as case count falls}}</ref>

===Sixth wave: since June 2022===
The number of cases started rising again in June 2022, caused mainly by the spread of variant BA.5.

== Infection prevalence and compliance ==
The prevalence of infection has varied between different sectors of the [[Demographics of Israel|Israeli population]]. Haredi communities have experienced a disproportionately higher number of cases <ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=16 December 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/defiance-or-compliance-virus-widens-religious-rift-as-ultra-orthodox-decry-bias/|title=Defiance or compliance? Virus widens religious rift as ultra-Orthodox decry bias}}</ref> and deaths.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=10 Feb 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/1-in-73-ultra-orthodox-israelis-over-65-has-died-of-covid-report-says/|title=1 in 73 ultra-Orthodox Israelis over 65 has died of COVID, report says}}</ref>  Reasons for the increased case numbers include crowded living conditions, and prioritizing continuity of religious routines, such as synagogue services and [[Torah]] study at yeshivas.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Israel Democracy Institute|date=18 October 2020|url=https://en.idi.org.il/articles/32679|title=Haredim and Coronavirus: Policy Recommendations for Exit from Second Lockdown}}</ref> Compliance, at least of some groups within the Haredi sector, has been low. During the 'third wave', when all schools were supposed to be closed, many Haredi schools reopened.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=18 January 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/growing-number-of-haredi-schools-said-to-reopen-flouting-lockdown/|title=Growing number of Haredi schools said to reopen, flouting lockdown}}</ref> Hundreds attended weddings in some Haredi communities.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 January 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-infections-surge-mass-ultra-orthodox-weddings-held-despite-lockdown-rules/|title=As infections surge, mass ultra-Orthodox weddings held despite lockdown rules}}</ref> Thousands gathered for funerals of prominent rabbis, including [[Meshulam Dovid Soloveitchik|Rabbi Meshulam Dovid Soloveitchik]]<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=31 January 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-expected-to-attend-funeral-of-ultra-orthodox-rabbi-killed-by-virus/|title=Thousands attend funeral for ultra-Orthodox rabbi killed by COVID-19}}</ref> and Rabbi Chaim Meir Wosner,<ref>{{cite news|date=7 February 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-pack-bnei-brak-streets-for-funeral-of-senior-rabbi-who-died-of-covid/|title=Thousands pack Bnei Brak streets for funeral of senior rabbi who died of COVID}}</ref> despite government restrictions. Vaccination rates in the Haredi community have been lower than in the general population, at least partially due to disinformation. A number of prominent rabbis have called on community members to get vaccinated.<ref>{{cite news|date=14 February 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|title=Efforts afoot to increase haredi vaccination, counter false vaccine info|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/efforts-afoot-to-increase-haredi-vaccination-counter-false-vaccine-info-658968}}</ref>

[[Arab citizens of Israel|Arab communities]] have also experienced relatively high case numbers<ref>{{cite news|agency=[[The Times of Israel]] |date=6 September 2020|title=As coronavirus cases rise, Arab mayors welcome new restrictions|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-coronavirus-cases-rise-arab-mayors-welcome-new-restrictions/}}</ref> and deaths.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Haaretz|date=24 June 2021|title=Israeli Arab Death Rate From COVID-19 Was Three Times Higher Than General Population, Study Finds|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/study-israeli-arab-death-rate-from-covid-three-times-higher-than-general-population-1.9937934}}</ref> This was mainly attributed to large weddings and social gatherings, held despite government restrictions.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=27 October 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israelis-see-new-virus-surge-as-weddings-return-with-a-vengeance/|title=Arab Israelis see new virus surge as weddings 'return with a vengeance'}}</ref> Arab communities lagged in vaccinations, despite widespread vaccine availability. The lag was attributed to widespread distrust of the government, and to a lack of Arabic-language outreach and education about the vaccine's safety.<ref>{{cite news|date=16 February 2021|agency=Forward|title=Arab-Israelis lag behind in Israel's vaccination success story|url=https://forward.com/news/464199/arab-israelis-lag-behind-in-israels-vaccination-success-story/}}</ref>

== Vaccination ==
{{main|COVID-19 vaccination in Israel}}

===Procurement===
The Israeli government began to procure doses of COVID-19 vaccines from various sources as data regarding various COVID-19 vaccines became available:
* 8 million shots of the [[Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=16 November 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-will-reportedly-pay-more-than-us-eu-for-pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine/|title=Israel will reportedly pay much more than US, EU for Pfizer coronavirus vaccine}}</ref>
* 10 million doses of the [[Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=25 November 2020|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-changed-plans-in-buying-astrazeneca-vaccine-1001350876|title=AstraZeneca Israel CEO Ohad Goldberg says Israel ordered 10 million doses directly, after discovering WHO-program factories did not meet Health Ministry standards}}</ref>
* 6 million doses of the [[Moderna COVID-19 vaccine]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=5 December 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/coronavirus-israel-signs-to-increase-moderna-vaccine-doses-to-6-million-651169|title=Israel, Moderna sign expanded deal for 6 million COVID vaccine doses}}</ref> Israel was an early investor in the Moderna vaccine.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=16 November 2020|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-moderna-cmo-israel-among-countries-first-in-line-for-vaccine-1001349688|title=Moderna CMO: Israel among countries first in line for vaccine}}</ref>

The first batch of vaccines, from [[Pfizer]], arrived on 9 December.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date = 9 December 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/first-pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-shipment-arrives-in-israel-651569|title = Israel to begin giving corona vaccines Dec. 27}}</ref> 700,000 more doses were delivered on 10 January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=11 January 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/pfizer-vaccines-to-arrive-at-4-pm-654911|title=Coronavirus: 700,000 more Pfizer vaccines arrive in Israel}}</ref> The first batch of vaccines from Moderna arrived on 7 January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=7 January 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/first-batch-of-moderna-vaccines-arrives-in-israel/|title=First batch of Moderna vaccines arrives in Israel}}</ref> Israel was prioritized for receiving the Pfizer vaccine. In exchange, Israel has committed to send Pfizer medical data pertaining to the vaccinations, including side effects, efficacy, and amount of time it takes to develop antibodies, for different age groups. In order to protect privacy, it was agreed that the identity of those vaccinated will not be disclosed to Pfizer.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=8 January 2021|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-trades-medical-data-for-vaccine-doses-1001356436|title=Israel trades medical data for vaccine doses}}</ref> A [https://govextra.gov.il/media/30806/11221-moh-pfizer-collaboration-agreement-redacted.pdf censored version of the agreement] was made public by the Israeli government on 17 January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=17 January 2021|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-publishes-vaccine-data-deal-with-pfizer-1001357450|title=Israel publishes Pfizer vaccine data deal details|newspaper=Globes}}</ref> In April 2021, long-term agreements for the supply of 18 million total additional vaccines were signed with Moderna and Pfizer. The doses to be supplied will be adapted to the different variants of the virus, if needed.<ref>{{cite news|date=19 April 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-closes-long-term-covid-19-vaccine-deal-despite-political-difficulties/|title=Israel closes long-term COVID-19 vaccine deals with Pfizer and Moderna}}</ref>

===Distribution===

==== Pfizer vaccine ====
The following vaccination priorities were established by the Ministry of Health:<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ministry of Health Press Releases|date= 16 December 2020|url=https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/16122020-01|title=The First Ones to Have the COVID-19 Vaccine within the "Ten Katef" Vaccine Campaign}}</ref>
* Phase A: healthcare personnel, in the following order: hospital workers, [[Healthcare in Israel|Kupot Holim]], private clinics and dentists' clinics, geriatric and psychiatric hospitals, nursing and medical students in clinical rounds, [[Magen David Adom]] and rescue organizations, protective institutions for fathers and mothers, and welfare institutions for dependents and their caregivers. Expansion of Stage A to people aged 60 or older - under the responsibility of the Kupot Holim.
* Phase B: the rest of the population, in the following order: risk groups (diabetes, morbid obesity, [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]], hypertension, patients with immunosuppression and their family members, organ transplant recipients, hematologic patients, etc.), teachers, kindergarten teachers, social workers, prisoners and prison guards, personnel of [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] and other security bodies.
* The rest of the population, scheduled with the Kupot Holim.

Netanyahu, [[Yuli Edelstein]] and others received their vaccination first. Vaccinations began on 19 December 2020.<ref>{{cite news|date=19 December 2020|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/netanyahu-to-kick-off-israels-covid-19-vaccination-campaign-on-saturday-652628|title=Netanyahu: A small shot for a person, a huge step toward the health of us all}}</ref> The first large batch of vaccines, from Pfizer, was distributed rapidly, with about 1.5 million people (16% of the population) vaccinated within 3 weeks.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 January 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/what-is-behind-israels-attention-grabbing-covid-19-vaccination-spree/|title=Vaccination nation: 5 factors in Israel's world-leading COVID inoculation drive}}</ref> While Israel's rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations was not problem-free, its initial phase was clearly rapid and effective.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Rosen|first1=Bruce|last2=Waitzberg|first2=Ruth|last3=Israeli|first3=Avi|date=2021-01-26|title=Israel's rapid rollout of vaccinations for COVID-19|url= |journal=Israel Journal of Health Policy Research|volume=10|issue=1|page=6|doi=10.1186/s13584-021-00440-6|issn=2045-4015|pmc=7835664|pmid=33499905 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Vaccinations were expanded to teachers and to those 55 or older on 12 January 2021,<ref>{{cite news|date=11 January 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|title=Israel expanding vaccination teachers, people 55+ beginning Tuesday|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/israelis-55-and-older-eligible-for-covid-vaccine-starting-tomorrow-655000}}</ref> to those 45 or older on 17 January 2021,<ref>{{cite news|date=15 January 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|title=Israel to start vaccinating citizens aged 45+ Sunday|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-to-start-vaccinating-citizens-aged-45-sunday/}}</ref> to those 40 or older on 19 January 2021,<ref>{{cite news|date=19 January 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|title=Israelis aged 40+ start receiving vaccines in race to halt record infections|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-aged-40-start-receiving-vaccines-in-race-to-halt-record-infections/}}</ref> and to those 35 or older on 28 January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=27 January 2021|title=Israel expands coronavirus vaccine drive to over-35s|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/XLGFB3285}}</ref> Pregnant women were advised to vaccinate and were added to the priority list on 19 January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=20 January 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-ministry-advises-pregnant-women-get-vaccine-after-10-serious-infections/|title=Health Ministry advises pregnant women get vaccine, after 10 serious infections}}</ref>
Teenagers born in 2003 and 2004 began getting vaccinated on 23 January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 January 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/clalit-ages-16-18-will-be-able-to-get-covid-19-vaccination-in-24-hours-656389|title=Coronavirus vaccination: Teens 16-18 begin getting the jab}}</ref> Vaccinations became available to all people 16 or older who had not contracted COVID, beginning 4 February 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Guardian|date=3 February 2021|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/03/israel-opens-coronavirus-vaccines-to-all-over-16s|title=Israel opens coronavirus vaccines to all over-16s}}</ref> Vaccinations became available to those 16 or older who had contracted COVID on 2 March 2021. These people will receive a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine.<ref>{{cite news|date=2 March 2021|agency=Israel Hayom|title=Health Ministry allows HMOs to vaccinate recovered COVID patients|url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/03/02/health-ministry-allows-hmos-to-vaccinate-recovered-covid-patients/}}</ref> Vaccinations were approved for 12-15 year olds on 2 June 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=2 June 2021|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-health-ministry-approves-covid-jabs-for-12-15-year-olds-1001373072|title=Israel approves Covid jabs for 12-15 year olds}}</ref>

A third vaccination for people aged 60 and above was approved by the government of 29 July 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=29 July 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-age-60-and-up-to-start-getting-third-coronavirus-vaccine-dose-next-week/|title=Israelis age 60 and up to start getting third coronavirus vaccine dose next week}}</ref> [[Isaac Herzog|President Herzog]] was the first to receive the third shot.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=30 July 2021|title=President leads way as Israel starts giving 3rd COVID vaccine dose to elderly|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-begins-administering-3rd-covid-vaccine-dose-to-the-elderly/}}</ref> The third dose eligibility was expanded to health workers and those over 50 on 13 August 2021,<ref>{{cite news|work=Reuters|date=13 August 2021|title=Israel expands COVID vaccine booster campaign to over 50s, health workers|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-expands-covid-vaccine-booster-campaign-over-50s-health-workers-2021-08-13/}}</ref> to those over 40 and teachers on 19 August 2021,<ref>{{cite news|work=Reuters|date=19 August 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israelis-over-40-teachers-eligible-covid-19-vaccine-booster-health-minister-says-2021-08-19/|title=Israel extends COVID-19 vaccine boosters to people over 40, teachers}}</ref> to those over 30 on 24 August 2021,<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=24 August 2021|title=Israel lowers age of eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine booster to 30|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/skb60uf11f}}</ref> and to anyone 12 or older who received the second shot at least five months prior on 29 August 2021.<ref name="booster">{{cite news|date= 29 August 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-offers-covid-booster-shot-to-all-eligible-for-vaccine/|title=Israel widens 3rd COVID booster shot to those aged 12 and over}}</ref>

Israel approved child-sized doses of the Pfizer vaccine on 10 November 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=10 November 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-approves-covid-shots-for-kids-experts-predict-uphill-acceptance-struggle/|title=Israel approves COVID shots for kids; experts predict uphill acceptance struggle}}</ref> The first batch of child-dose vaccines arrived on 20 November 2021<ref>{{cite news|date=20 November 2020|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/1-million-doses-of-kid-sized-covid-vaccines-arrive-in-israel-as-1st-shipment-lands|title=1 million doses of kid-sized COVID vaccines arrive in Israel as 1st shipment lands}}</ref> and vaccination of 5-11 year olds began on 22 November 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=22 November 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-begins-vaccinating-children-aged-5-11/|title=Israel begins vaccinating children aged 5-11}}</ref>

==== Astrazeneca vaccine ====
On 21 October 2021, Israel began offering the Astrazeneca vaccine to those unable to receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=18 October 2021|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/sjh4kwshk|title=Israel to begin offering AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine}}</ref>

=== Development of an Israeli vaccine ===
{{main|BriLife}}
[[File:Reuven Rivlin with the first vaccinator in Phase B of the Israeli Vaccine of the Israeli Biological Institute, January 2021 (GPOABG 4045).jpg|thumb|President [[Reuven Rivlin]] standing next to the first person to participate in Phase B trial of [[BriLife]] vaccine. [[Barzilai Medical Center]], 5 January 2021.]]
The [[Israel Institute for Biological Research]] developed a vaccine and produced 25,000 doses of the vaccine for a [[Phases of clinical research|Phase I clinical trial]], which began in [[Sheba Medical Center|Sheba]] and [[Hadassah Medical Center|Hadassah]] medical centers in October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Globes|date=25 October 2020|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-to-begin-covid-19-human-trials-next-week-1001346982|title=Israel to begin Covid-19 vaccine human trials}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|agency=i24 News|date=1 November 2020|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/coronavirus/1604210258-israel-s-human-trial-for-coronavirus-vaccine-with-first-participant-underway|title=Israel's clinical trial for COVID-19 vaccine with first participants underway}}</ref> On 14 December 2020, it was announced that the Health Ministry had approved the launch of a [[Phases of clinical research|Phase II clinical trial]] for the Israel Institute for Biological Research's vaccine candidate, [[BriLife]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=14 December 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/israels-vaccine-candidate-set-to-launch-phase-ii-clinical-trial-652110|title=Israel's vaccine candidate set to launch Phase II clinical trial}}</ref>

=== Vaccine diplomacy and swap ===
Prime Minister Netanyahu donated vaccines purchased by Israel to a small number of countries, including Honduras and the Czech Republic. Planned donations of vaccines to other countries were frozen after legal questions were raised.<ref>{{cite news|work=Reuters|date=25 February 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-israel-vaccines-di/israel-freezes-programme-to-send-vaccines-abroad-defence-minister-says-idUSKBN2AP2L9?il=0|title=Israel freezes programme to send vaccines abroad, defence minister says}}</ref>

On 6 July 2021, Israel signed a vaccine swap agreement with South Korea. Israel delivered 700,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that were close to expiration in exchange for an equal amount of doses that South Korea had ordered for later in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 July 2021|agency=Haaretz|title=Israel Signs COVID-19 Vaccine Exchange Deal With South Korea|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-signs-covid-19-vaccine-exchange-deal-with-south-korea-1.9972533}}</ref>

==Relations with neighbouring countries and territories==
=== Palestine ===
{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Palestine|Israel–Palestine relations}}
;Palestinian Authority
On 11 March, Israel delivered 20&nbsp;tons of [[disinfectant]] to the [[West Bank]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Israel-delivers-disinfectant-to-West-Bank-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-620574|title=Israel delivers disinfectant to West Bank amid coronavirus outbreak|date=11 March 2020}}</ref>

On 17 March, the [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Defense Ministry]] tightened restrictions on [[Palestinian workers in Israel|Palestinian workers]], limiting entry to those working in essential sectors, and requiring that they remain in Israel instead of commuting.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-tightens-restrictions-on-palestinian-workers-bans-commuting/|title=Israel tightens restrictions on Palestinian workers, bars them from commuting|date=17 March 2020}}</ref> Also, Israel and the [[Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Authority]] set up a joint operations room to coordinate their response to the virus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-Palestinians-set-up-joint-operations-room-to-combat-coronavirus-621431|title=Israel, Palestinians set up joint operations room to combat coronavirus|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=18 March 2020}}</ref>

On 25 March, the [[Palestinian National Authority]] urged all Palestinians working in Israel to return to the West Bank. All those returning were requested to self-isolate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/pa-urges-palestinian-workers-to-return-to-west-bank-as-israels-virus-cases-grow/|title=PA urges Palestinian workers to return to West Bank as Israel's virus cases grow|date=25 March 2020}}</ref>

On 19 May, an unmarked [[Etihad Airways]] plane marked the first direct flight between the [[United Arab Emirates]] and Israel. Its goal was to deliver supplies to the West Bank.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-emirates-palestinians/abu-dhabis-etihad-makes-first-known-flight-to-israel-carrying-palestinian-aid-idUSKBN22V2R8|work=Reuters|date=19 May 2020|title=Abu Dhabi's Etihad makes first known flight to Israel, carrying Palestinian aid}}{{Relevance inline|date=May 2020}}</ref> The aid was rejected by the West Bank, so it was delivered to Gaza instead.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Haaretz|date=21 May 2020|title=Palestinian Authority Refuses Coronavirus Aid From Direct UAE-Israel Flight, Citing Normalization|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-palestinian-authority-refuses-coronavirus-aid-from-direct-uae-israel-flight-1.8864130}}</ref>

On 18 October, former chief negotiator [[Saeb Erekat]] was transferred to [[Hadassah Medical Center]] for treatment for COVID-19. Erekat had undergone a lung transplant in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=19 October 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/saeb-erekats-covid-19-symptoms-worsen-en-route-to-hadassah-646114|title=Hadassah hospital consulting with US medics on COVID treatment for Erekat}}</ref> Erekat died of COVID-19 on 10 November.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=10 November 2020|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1f6YAvFv|title=Saeb Erekat, veteran Palestinian negotiator, dies of COVID-19 at 65}}</ref>

On 4 January 2021, Minister of Health Yuli Edelstein secretly approved the transfer of 200 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority as a humanitarian gesture.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001356971|work=Globes|date=13 January 2021|title=The petition revealed: Edelstein secretly approved the transfer of 200 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority}}</ref>

On 29 January 2021, it was reported in several Israeli news sources that Israel is planning to give the Palestinian Authority a batch of vaccine doses for 1000 Palestinian medical workers. The Palestinian Authority also asked Israel to help coordinate the transfer of Palestinian ordered vaccine shipments to the West Bank.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-to-give-palestinians-vaccines-for-1000-medical-workers-report/|work=The Times Of Israel|date=29 January 2021|title=Israel to give Palestinians vaccines for 1,000 medical workers — report}}</ref>

Israel transferred 2000 vaccine doses for Palestinian health workers on 1 February 2021. This is the first batch of a reported 5000 doses scheduled to be transferred.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/israel-to-begin-transferring-covid-vaccines-to-pa-today-657390|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=1 February 2021|title=Israel begins transferring coronavirus vaccines to Palestinian Authority}}</ref>

On 20 February 2021, Palestinian officials reported that Israel had agreed to vaccinate 100,000 Palestinians who regularly enter Israel.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Seattle Times|date = 20 February 2021|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/israel-agrees-to-vaccinate-palestinian-workers-palestinian-officials-say/|title=Israel agrees to vaccinate Palestinian workers, Palestinian officials say}}</ref>
On 28 February 2021, Israel confirmed that it would vaccinate 120,000 Palestinian workers.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Times Of Israel|date = 28 February 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-authorizes-plan-to-vaccinate-over-120000-palestinian-workers/|title=Israel authorizes plan to vaccinate over 120,000 Palestinian workers}}</ref> Vaccinations of Palestinian workers began on 8 March 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Aljazeera|date=8 March 2021|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/8/israel-starts-vaccinating-palestinian-workers-after-delays|title=Israel starts vaccinating Palestinian workers after delays}}</ref>

On 18 June 2021, Israel announced that it would supply at least 1 million Pfizer vaccinations to the Palestinian Authority in exchange for an equal amount of vaccinations that were to be delivered to the Palestinian Authority later in the year.<ref>{{cite news|date = 18 June 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-to-give-palestinians-1-2-million-covid-vaccines-in-coming-days-report/|title=Israel to give Palestinians 1.2 million COVID vaccines in coming days — report}}</ref> The deal was scrapped by the Palestinian Authority due to the expiry date on the delivered vaccines, which was earlier than the date agreed upon.<ref>{{cite news|agency=BBC|date=19 June 2021|title=Covid: Palestinians cancel vaccine swap deal with Israel|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57525252}}</ref>  After the Palestinian cancellation of the trade deal South Korea accepted these now available near-expiration vaccine doses in exchange for supplying the same number of future vaccine doses when they are available to Korea in the September timeframe.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57732033|title=Covid: Israel and South Korea strike Pfizer vaccine deal|work=BBC News|date=6 July 2021}}</ref>

;Gaza
Israel initially blocked and later permitted entry of 2,000 [[Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine|Sputnik V]] vaccine doses into the [[Gaza Strip]].<ref>{{cite news|date=17 February 2021|agency=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/17/israel-allows-1000-covid-vaccines-into-blockaded-gaza-after-hold-up|title=Israel allows 2,000 Covid vaccine doses into Gaza after hold-up}}</ref>

===Egypt===
{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt|Egypt–Israel relations}}
On 8 March 2020, Israel closed the [[Taba Border Crossing]] with Egypt, fearing the spread of the coronavirus from Egypt. Non-Israelis were not permitted to enter Israel; Israelis returning from Egypt were required to enter an immediate 14-day quarantine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy-defense/1583680035-israel-closes-border-crossing-into-egypt-over-coronavirus-fears|title=Israel bans visitors from Egypt over coronavirus fears|website=www.i24news.tv|date=2020-03-08}}</ref>

===Jordan===
{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan|Israel–Jordan relations}}
Israel did not place restrictions on crossing the border with Jordan. The Jordanian Kingdom closed its border with all neighboring countries, including Israel, from March 11, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hamodia.com/2020/03/11/jordan-bars-entry-israel-iraq-egypt-due-coronavirus/|title=Jordan Bars Entry from Israel, Iraq, Egypt Due to Coronavirus|date=2020-03-11|website=Hamodia|language=en}}</ref>

On April 15, 2020, the ''Jerusalem Post'' reported that Israel was to provide 5,000 medical protection masks to Jordan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-to-deliver-5000-medical-masks-to-jordan-to-fight-coronavirus-624733 |title=Israel to deliver 5,000 medical masks to Jordan to fight coronavirus|author=<!--staff writers-->|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |date=2020-04-15}}</ref>

===Syria===
{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in Syria|Israel–Syria relations}}
Israel agreed to pay Russia to send Russian-made [[Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine|Sputnik V]] vaccine doses to Syria as part of a Russia-mediated prisoner swap agreement.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The New York Times|date=20 February 2021|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/20/world/middleeast/israel-syria-prisoner-swap-vaccines.html|title=Israel Secretly Agrees to Fund Vaccines for Syria as Part of Prisoner Swap|work=The New York Times |last1=Kingsley |first1=Patrick |last2=Bergman |first2=Ronen |last3=Kramer |first3=Andrew E. }}</ref>

==Criticism and opposition to COVID-19 restrictions==
{{main|Protests over COVID-19 policies in Israel}}
Since April 2020 a series of protests by various social and political groups took place across Israel, opposing lockdowns, mandatory vaccines, government restriction policies and vaccinations in general. The protests coincided with similar [[protests over responses to the COVID-19 pandemic|demonstrations and riots worldwide]], though some of the earlier protests were linked to the specific [[2019–2021 Israeli political crisis]].

==Notable people infected with COVID-19==

Then Health Minister [[Yaakov Litzman]] and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus on 2 April 2020.<ref name="The Times of Israel">{{cite news |title=Israel's Health Minister Litzman and his wife test positive for coronavirus |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-minister-litzman-wife-test-positive-for-coronavirus/ |access-date=2 April 2020 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref> News reports later claimed that Litzman had violated the government's ban on participating in group prayer the day before he was diagnosed. His office denied the claims.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/infected-health-minister-accused-of-ignoring-rules-endangering-israels-leaders/|title=Infected health minister accused of flouting rules, endangering Israel's leaders|first=Jacob|last=Magid|date=2 April 2020|access-date=12 April 2020|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

[[Hebrew University of Jerusalem]] professor [[Mark Steiner]] died of the virus on 6 April 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://dailynous.com/2020/04/06/mark-steiner-1942-2020/ | title=Mark Steiner (1942-2020)|date=6 April 2020}}</ref>

Former Chief Rabbi [[Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron]] died of the virus on 12 April 2020.<ref>{{cite news|date=13 April 2020|agency=The National News|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/mena/former-chief-rabbi-of-israel-dies-from-covid-19-1.1005170|title=Former chief rabbi of Israel dies from Covid-19}}</ref>

Jerusalem Affairs Minister [[Rafi Peretz]] tested positive on 1 August 2020.<ref>{{cite news|date=1 August 2020|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-affairs-minister-rafi-peretz-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/|title=Jerusalem minister tests positive for virus; 14 more deaths since Friday evening}}</ref>

Aliyah and Integration Minister [[Pnina Tamano-Shata]] tested positive on 24 August 2020.<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/fears-of-infections-among-lawmakers-after-blue-and-white-minister-catches-virus/ 2 lawmakers in quarantine after Blue and White minister catches virus] ''www.timesofisrael.com'', accessed 30 January 202</ref>

Knesset member [[Yinon Azulai]] tested positive on 9 September 2020.<ref>[https://www.timesofisrael.com/shas-mk-yinon-azoulay-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/ Shas MK Yinon Azoulay tests positive for coronavirus] ''www.timesofisrael.com'', accessed 30 January 2021</ref>

[[Chaim Kanievsky|Rabbi Shmaryahu Yosef Chaim Kanievsky]] was diagnosed with COVID-19 on 2 October 2020.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Top ultra-Orthodox Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, 92, tests positive for coronavirus|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/top-ultra-orthodox-rabbi-92-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</ref> On 28 October 2020, Kanievsky's physician said Kanievsky had recovered from the virus.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbi Kanievsky free from coronavirus, says doctor|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/prominent-ultra-orthodox-rabbi-kanievsky-free-from-coronavirus-says-doctor/|access-date=2021-02-22|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</ref>

Environmental Protection Minister [[Gila Gamliel]] tested positive on 3 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=news1|date=4 October 2020|url=https://www.news1.news/2020/10/minister-gila-gamliel-was-diagnosed-with-coronary-heart-disease.html|title=Minister Gila Gamliel was diagnosed with coronary heart disease}}</ref> It was later claimed that Gamliel violated lockdown rules by traveling further than 1&nbsp;km to her in-laws' house for Yom Kippur and attending synagogue there. She did not reveal this information during her epidemiological investigation, instead claiming she had been infected by her driver.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Haaretz|date=5 October 2020|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/home/0,7340,L-8,00.html|title=Israeli Minister Violates Lockdown, Contracts COVID-19 and Tries to Cover It Up}}</ref>

Knesset member [[Ayman Odeh]] tested positive on 4 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=4 October 2020|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/home/0,7340,L-8,00.html|title=יו"ר הרשימה המשותפת איימן עודה נדבק בקורונה}}</ref>

[[Knesset]] member [[Moshe Abutbul (politician)|Moshe Abutbul]] tested positive on 5 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Ynet|date=5 October 2020|url=https://www.ynet.co.il/home/0,7340,L-8,00.html|title=ח"כ משה אבוטבול מש"ס נדבק בקורונה}}</ref>

Former Shin Bet Deputy Director [[Itzhak Ilan]] died of the virus on 16 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|date=16 October 2020|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/former-shin-bet-deputy-director-yitzhak-ilan-died-from-corona-at-64-645924|title=Former Shin Bet deputy director Yitzhak Ilan died from COVID-19 at 64}}</ref>

Actor [[Yehuda Barkan]] died of the virus on 23 October 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date = 24 October 2020|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/actor-and-director-yehuda-barkan-dies-from-coronavirus-646798|title=Actor and director Yehuda Barkan dies from coronavirus}}</ref>

Minister of Regional Cooperation [[Ofir Akunis]] tested positive on 9 November 2020.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=9 November 2020|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/minister-contracts-virus-amid-warnings-that-infection-rates-may-rebound/|title=Minister contracts virus amid warnings that infection rates may rebound}}</ref>

Knesset member [[David Bitan]] tested positive on 7 December 2020, and was later hospitalized.<ref>{{cite news|date=13 December 2020|agency=Ynet|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HJMG004Qnw|title=Likud MK David Bitan in intensive care after contracting coronavirus}}</ref>

Knesset member [[Ya'akov Asher]] tested positive on 20 December 2020.<ref>{{cite news|date=20 December 2020|agency = The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/utj-mk-yaakov-asher-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-652686|title=UTJ MK Yakov Asher tests positive for coronavirus}}</ref>

Former Chief Rabbi [[Yisrael Meir Lau]] tested positive on 17 January 2021, only a few days after receiving the second dose of the vaccine.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=17 January 2021|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/former-ashkenazi-chief-rabbi-yisrael-meir-lau-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/|title=Former Ashkenazi chief rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau tests positive for coronavirus}}</ref>

Knesset member [[Vladimir Beliak]] tested positive on 14 July 2021.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=14 July 2021|title=Yesh Atid MK contracts COVID, says 'unreasonable' to prevent him voting|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/yesh-atid-mk-contracts-covid-says-unreasonable-to-prevent-him-voting/}}</ref>

[[Natan Sharansky]] and his wife [[Avital Sharansky]] both tested positive on 3 August 2021, despite both being fully vaccinated.<ref>{{cite news|date=7 August 2021|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/natan-sharansky-and-wife-recovering-after-contracting-covid-19/|title=Natan Sharansky and wife recovering after contracting COVID-19}}</ref>

Knesset member [[Ofer Cassif]] tested positive on 9 August 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=9 August 2021|agency=Ynet|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hywpv00cjk|title=Joint List alliance MK Ofer Cassif tests positive for COVID}}</ref>

Knesset member [[Gilad Kariv]] tested positive on 10 August 2021 <ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=10 August 2021|title=Labor MK Gilad Kariv diagnosed with COVID-19|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/labor-mk-gilad-kariv-diagnosed-with-covid-19/}}</ref> and was later hospitalized.<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Jerusalem Post|date=17 August 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/mk-gilad-kariv-hospitalized-due-to-coronavirus-676927|title=MK Gilad Kariv hospitalized due to coronavirus}}</ref>

Knesset member [[Simcha Rothman]] tested positive on 12 August 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=12 August 2021|agency=Yisrael Hayom (Hebrew)|url=https://www.israelhayom.co.il/news/politics/article/3959355/|title=הקורונה חזרה למשכן הכנסת: ח"כ שמחה רוטמן נמצא חיובי}}</ref>

Knesset member [[Inbar Bezek]] tested positive on 16 August 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=16 August 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/mk-inbar-bezek-tests-positive-for-covid-19-676836|title=Yesh Atid MK Inbar Bezek tests positive for COVID-19}}</ref>

Knesset member [[Itamar Ben-Gvir]] tested positive on 16 August 2021<ref>{{cite news|date=16 August 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/otzma-yehudit-head-itamar-ben-gvir-infected-with-coronavirus-676865|title=Otzma Yehudit head Itamar Ben-Gvir infected with coronavirus}}</ref> and was later hospitalized.<ref>{{cite news|date=21 August 2021|agency=The Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/mk-ben-gvir-hospitalized-due-to-covid-19-677321|title=MK Itamar Ben-Gvir hospitalized due to COVID-19}}</ref>

During the fifth wave, many Israeli politicians tested positive, including Knessent members [[Michael Biton]],<ref>{{cite news|agency=The Times of Israel|date=2 January 2022|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-member-tests-positive-for-covid-19/|title=Knesset member tests positive for COVID-19}}</ref> [[Moshe Tur-Paz]], [[Alex Kushnir]],<ref>{{cite news|date=15 January 2022|agency=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/2-more-mks-test-positive-for-covid/|title=2 more MKs test positive for COVID}}</ref> and [[Dudi Amsalem]],<ref>{{cite news|agency=7 Israel National News|date=16 January 2022|url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/320533|title=2 more MKs test positive for COVID}}</ref> Foreign Minister [[Yair Lapid]], and Finance Minister [[Avigdor Liberman]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=i24 News|date=15 January 2022|url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1642262821-israel-s-finance-minister-liberman-tests-positive-for-covid|title=Israel's finance minister Liberman tests positive for Covid}}</ref>

==Remote work==
Rachel Gould and M. Kate Gallagher have researched the ways in which COVID-19 has altered Israeli life, specifically when considering [[remote work]]. In an article in The Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, they lay out the advantages and disadvantages of WFH. In Israeli society specifically, they state, Israeli work periods are much more focused on hours, rather than completing tasks.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi=10.1080/23739770.2020.1816393 |title=We Can do Better: Opportunities to Adopt a New Economic Paradigm in the Wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic |year=2020 |last1=Gould |first1=Rachel |last2=Gallagher |first2=M. Kate|journal=Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs |volume=14 |issue=2|pages=275–287|s2cid=225141982 |doi-access=}}</ref> In order to see if this hours-based approach carries to attitudes in [[remote work]], Gould and Gallagher set up an experimental-research approach and found that two-thirds of Israelis felt that [[remote work]] was just as effective as working in an office. This WFH phenomena did not only "increase productivity and satisfaction", but it changed the rigidity of the Israeli work schedule and adapted the system to have more flexibility. This change has great implications when considering Israeli's innovation and increasing "global clout", which Gould and Gallagher predict will continue to grow as the work system changes. However, they caution that in order to keep increasing innovation and efficiency, Israel's work force must prioritize climate change and investment to clean energy.

==Statistics==

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Israel medical cases}}
{{clear}}

===Graphs===
According to Israel Ministry of Health.<ref name=info/>
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Israel new cases chart}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Israel new deaths chart}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Israel new tests chart}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Israel vaccines chart}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Israel fatality rate chart}}

== See also ==
* [[2020 in Israel]]
* [[2021 in Israel]]
* [[COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory]]
* [[Health in Israel]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
;Government
* [https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/corona-gov Coronavirus]. Israel's government website
* [https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/ The Novel Coronavirus]. Israel Ministry of Health
* [https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/corona-main-sub Coronavirus]. Israel Ministry of Health
* {{Telegram |s/MOHreport |Ministry of Health coronavirus updates}} {{in lang|he}}

;Other
* [https://covid19.who.int/region/euro/country/il Israel COVID-19 dashboard]. World Health Organization
* [https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/israel/ Coronavirus in Israel statistics]. [[Worldometer]]
* [https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/region/israel Israel – COVID-19 Overview]. [[Johns Hopkins University]]
* [https://www.jpost.com/coronavirus Coronavirus news]. ''[[The Jerusalem Post]]''
* [https://www.science.co.il/medical/coronavirus/Statistics.php Graph of total confirmed cases and deaths]. Israel Science and Technology Directory
* [https://epiforecasts.io/covid/posts/national/israel/ Estimates for Israel] by the [[London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine]]
* [https://clear-map.com/il COVID-19 Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703035630/https://clear-map.com/il |date=3 July 2020 }}
* [[Wikiversity:COVID-19/All-cause deaths/Israel]]

{{COVID-19 pandemic}}
{{Portal bar|COVID-19|Israel}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:COVID-19 pandemic in Israel}}
[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in Israel| ]]
[[Category:2020 in Israel]]
[[Category:2021 in Israel]]
[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic by country|Israel]]
[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in Asia|Israel]]
[[Category:Disease outbreaks in Israel]]