Israeli PM Netanyahu, 70, goes into quarantine after one of his aides tested positive for coronavirus
- Netanyahu and his close aides will be ‘in confinement until tests are completed’
- He is awaiting results from his latest test after previously testing negative
- Reports say the infected aide was present at a parliamentary session last week
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone into quarantine after one of his staff tested positive for coronavirus, his office said today.
Netanyahu, 70, and his close aides will be ‘in confinement until tests are completed’ and the premier is cleared by the health ministry.
The PM’s office said Netanyahu is awaiting results from his latest test, after previously being found negative on March 15.
Israeli media said the infected aide had been present at a parliament session last week attended by Netanyahu as well as opposition lawmakers.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) has gone into quarantine after one of his staff tested positive for coronavirus, his office said today
Israel’s health ministry regulations generally require 14-day self-isolation for anyone deemed to have been in proximity with a carrier.
The duration is reduced for the number of days that have passed since the suspected exposure.
Netanyahu had been due to convene officials today to discuss a proposed lockdown of some of the country.
An Israeli official said Netanyahu has been following medical advice and holding most meetings by video-conference.
Israel has reported 4,347 cases and 15 fatalities, but officials warn that the dead could eventually number in the thousands.
After a year of political stalemate, Netanyahu is trying to build an emergency coalition government to help address the coronavirus crisis.
Three elections in less than 12 months all proved inconclusive, with neither Netanyahu nor his rival Benny Gantz winning a clear majority.
Gantz has now softened his stance on working with Netanyahu, and was elected parliament speaker on Thursday – apparently abandoning his hopes of being PM.
A protester uses an Israeli flag as a face mask during a protest against Netanyahu outside the parliament in Jerusalem last week
The two men held talks through Saturday night ‘aimed at establishing a national emergency government to deal with the corona crisis,’ a joint statement said.
Netanyahu’s critics accuse him of exploiting the crisis to stay in power and weaken Israel’s democratic institutions.
The PM and his surrogates have shut down the court system, approved the use of sophisticated phone-surveillance technology on the general public and temporarily suspended the activities of parliament.
Meanwhile, Gantz’s move towards compromise has split the Blue and White alliance which he led in the three elections.
Netanyahu also has corruption charges hanging over his head, after he was indicted on bribery, fraud and breach of trust allegations in January.
However, his trial has been delayed by the pandemic. He denies the charges and claims they are politically motivated.