Bennett at coronavirus cabinet: Israel must exercise caution and take ‘minimal risks’

Opening a coronavirus cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel needs to be “careful” and take “minimal risks” as the world learns more about the Omicron COVID variant.
“We want to maintain the State of Israel’s immense success in the Delta wave – an open and functioning Israel, with a functioning economy and an active education system with children in school. It’s the top priority, ”says Bennett.
Encouraging Israelis to keep getting vaccinated, the prime minister said that “the indications are that the vaccine prevents serious illness” of the Omicron variant and that “the booster is very important for protection against serious illness.”
Ministers are expected to vote on a complete shutdown of Israel to tourists and foreign residents, multiple news outlets report.