Israel decided to "hermetic" to clog the border in order to prevent the penetration of new coronavirus strains into the country

The Israeli government on Sunday, January 24, voted for the "hermetic" closure of the Ben-Gurion International Airport. The decision should enter into force on the night of January 26 and will act, at least until January 31.

Thus, the Cabinet of Ministers of the country approved the suspension of incoming and outgoing flights in order to stop the spread of infection with coronavirus and prevent the penetration of new strains into Israel.

Until January 31, all incoming and outgoing flights were canceled with the exception of humanitarian cases, which will be considered by a special commission, Newsru Israel reports.

"We are ahead of the whole world. No people did what we are going to do - hermetically sealing the country," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a government meeting.

As notes the Haaretz newspaper, so far the ban concerns only foreign airlines. But flights of foreign cargo and fire aircraft, as well as air ambulances, will be allowed.

Restrictions for Israeli air carriers will be introduced later, this will be announced additionally.

Since its foundation, Israel has never suspended the reception of repatriates, but now the restrictions apply to flights that were supposed to deliver them to Israel. As Netanyahu said, "repatriates can wait a week."

Israeli citizens who are currently abroad, only in exceptional cases will be given permission to enter Israel, while flights will be made by private airlines.

Israeli airlines, primarily private, will be able to obtain permission to fly and land in Israel if their passenger should appear before the court as a witness or the defendant.