Published December 12, 2021 4:05 PM IST, Updated December 13, 2021 1:45 PM IST
After a month of open borders for vaccinated tourists, Israel closed its gates to non-citizens on November 29, due to the Omicron variant threat. This ban was originally scheduled to be for fourteen days, ending on Monday, December 13.
Today, the Cabinet approved the continuation of this ban. In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, officials averred that the ban would be extended, for now. At this time, it is unknown how long the ban will last. Some reports have claimed that the extension is only for an additional ten days. However, Chaim V’Chessed has learned that the ban may very well remain in place indefinitely, until the Omicron threat passes.
The Exceptions Committee will continue to grant permits to enter Israel in exceptional circumstances. The following categories are able to apply for a permit: Medical emergencies, first-degree relatives and grandparents of the chassan or kallah for a wedding, grandparents for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and grandparents upon birth of a grandchild. Additionally, first-degree relatives may enter Israel for a funeral.
Separately, the Cabinet announced that the list of so-called Red countries will be updated on a daily basis. Israelis are prohibited from traveling to Red countries. Furthermore, entry by non-citizens from Red countries is severely restricted. Even visa holders, who are currently permitted to enter Israel, are barred from entering from Red countries, unless they receive special entry permits.
Chaim V’Chessed has learned that England and Denmark may be classified as Red within 48 hours. Hence, we advise foreign residents of Israel to carefully consider travel to these countries. Similarly, those intending to return to Israel from these countries should be aware of this possibility, as well. UPDATE: England and Denmark will become Red at midnight on Friday, December 17 (the night between Thursday and Friday).
Sources share that other European counties such as Turkey, France, Spain and Italy are at risk of turning Red in subsequent days, as well.