On Sunday, August 23, the Israeli government, once again, extended the ban on foreign citizens entering Israel. The ban will now stay in effect until at least October 1.
As in the past, the Interior Ministry did not issue an orderly announcement to the press. However, the Airports Authority was informed of the decision, and government officials notified Chaim V’Chessed of this latest move.
As previously reported, various exceptions have been made to the ban. For instance, students can receive permission to enter the country. Similarly, grandparents may obtain permission to enter the country for the birth of a grandchild, and bar/bat mitzvas. Family members may receive permission to enter for weddings, and families of lone soldiers are also granted permission to visit their loved ones serving in the IDF.
There are reports that despite this announcement, the government intends to loosen restrictions on foreign visitors in the coming weeks. Sources tell Chaim V’Chessed that, at some not so distant point, Israel intends to allow foreign tourists from Green countries to begin entering the country. Currently, only Israelis or foreigners with special permits are allowed to enter Israel without quarantining when coming from Green countries, but foreign tourists are still barred from entering.