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In a damning verdict, the judges noted that Israel is the only democratic country in the world where the right of citizens to enter their country has been so sweepingly restricted.
On the figure of 3,000, the judges stated that this was set by the government before they had gathered data on the number of nationals who were stuck abroad, and ordered any future restrictions to be based on updated and comprehensive facts.
The judges also ruled that a balance must be struck between the damage that may be caused by the infiltration of an unknown coronavirus strain, and the violation of the fundamental rights of the state s citizens and residents.
Israel s High Court cancels airport quotas globes.co.il - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from globes.co.il Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
CoronavirusIsrael
By Zalman Ahnsaf
YERUSHALAYIM -
A passenger seen at Ben Gurion Airport. (Flash90)
Following the High Court ruling that the government’s restriction on the number of incoming airline passengers was unconstitutional, airlines were reportedly augmenting their flight schedules.
According to media reports, United Airlines plans to return to 13 flights a week from Newark and San Francisco to Tel Aviv. Israeli airlines Israir, Arkia and El Al were also expected to announce expanded schedules.
Government officials registered their displeasure with the court, saying it disregarded the public safety.
Coronavirus commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash said “the decision is very worrying, since it will allow the importing of high [coronavirus] morbidity and dangerous mutations to Israel.”
High Court ends unconstitutional air travel restrictions
Ruling effectively lifts 3,000-person daily limit on arrivals via Ben-Gurion, citing infringement of civil rights and need to allow Israelis to vote on March 23; virus czar: decision could lead Israel into a new wave of infections
Gilad Morag, Itay Blumenthal, Haim Goldich |
Published: 03.17.21 , 19:52
The High Court of Justice ruled Wednesday that Israel s restrictions on entering and exiting the country via Ben-Gurion Airport are unconstitutional and must end on Saturday, when the current period expires.
Current limitations include a cap of 3,000 returning citizens per day and the need for people who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 to obtain a special permit to fly.
Israel reopens skies ahead of election, but COVID czar 'worried' it might lead to renewed outbreak ■ 60,000 COVAX vaccines en route to Palestinians ■ West Bank deaths top 2,000