Recordings from a discussion held by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz together with senior members of the health system were revealed tonight (Tuesday) in “News 12” in which arguments were heard between the prime minister and the health minister and disagreements between senior officials.
Bennett and senior Ministry of Health officials have decided on the relief for the vaccinated, although the number of infected and the gloomy forecasts increase, the understanding is that continuing to send the vaccinated to isolation if exposed to a verified patient will silence the economy and lead to actual closure. Bennett was heard saying at the hearing: “Itamar is a vaccinated guy, his work is verified and he is sitting next to him, so they tell him: ‘Itamar, go now to do PCR, sit at home until the PCR result, and when the PCR is negative they say to him:’ Itamar you are allowed “It’s definitely possible that you carry the virus and we’re not on it yet, so at the entrance to any place you will stay away from vulnerable people like the elderly and for 10 days do not go to a crowded place.”
Health Minister Horowitz confirmed: “Yes yes, it’s fine. All right.”
The Ministry of Health objected to the option that vaccinated people exposed to a verified housemate would be sent for 7-day isolation. The director general of the Ministry of Health, Prof. Nachman Ash, is heard saying: “In the ultra-Orthodox, Arab and low socio-economic sectors, there is a feeling that once we require isolation for the whole family (because of one verified at home), it means a lot for a family that can last longer. … “
Horowitz: “We can not do it because it is simple, it is disproportionate in my eyes (in a sweeping) way. For large families it is extremely problematic, if we look at the ultra-Orthodox sector for example or the Arabs. I also do not think it will work and it is a decree that I I do not think the public can stand it – isolation of all members of the household “
At this point in the debate, an argument broke out between the prime minister and the health minister that did not sound like they liked each other, despite the outward show. Bennett: “How many (tests) can we do with a relatively quick answer? So it will not be 170 thousand, let’s say what, 120 thousand?”
Horowitz: “It’s hard to know and name an exact number. It’s hard to know. Okay, so I’ll tell you 140, what will it help us to say?
Bennett: “I do not understand what you are about…”
Horowitz: “No, because you sometimes go into details that are not necessary. What is a ‘task’? According to what will be, it seems, an effort is being made to do as quickly as possible. What will it help us to say a number?”
Bennett: “I want a drop in details. Maybe it’s not good. Maybe there are those who prefer to stay at sky level. This is my way.”
Horowitz: “It can also be done with other offices, not just with the Ministry of Health”
Bennett: “Okay. Okay. Are you done? Or are there any more comments on the …?”
Horowitz: “I will have comments later”
Bennett: “Okay”
The corona projector, Prof. Salman Zarqa, commented on the preparations for the Baba Sally celebration, which is expected to take place next week with the participation of about 100,000 people. Prof. Zarqa turned to Bennett and said: “I must say that I think this situation, sorry for the rudeness, that I now have to beg the rabbi to cancel an event of 100,000 people, seems to me unreasonable in the State of Israel. 100,000 people who will be there in Netivot next week, “
Bennett: “I ask, you will have what is called with sensitivity and determination and you will reach an agreed arrangement which of course is based on a green mark and will bring what you can. Good luck Salman, straighten up – and ask for a blessing for me.”
On education, Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Bitton said: “Nobody here wants to endanger the children, we all want the opposite, we are fighting for their health and for their protection. But their health and their protection is also the education system. You know, that is my mandate See how I keep them stable within the system and keep them from everything that happens to them .. We are here in full mobilization really on the whole issue of vaccines but we must also be mobilized to protect the children within the system. Really deepens the damage, deepens the gaps, and we need a moment to address it with lots and lots of caution. The story, Prime Minister, of sending children to zoom, turns my stomach. to cope”.