Omicron Covid-19: Israeli PM criticises for family's trip abroad

Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett has come under massive criticism for his family's trip abroad amid the spread of the new variant Omicron of the Coronavirus. Bennett had recommended as recently as Friday that people do not travel abroad because of the Omicron variant. Bennett's wife and children flew out on Wednesday, his office confirmed on Thursday. No details were given on the holiday destination.

Bennett had told reporters earlier he would not recommend flying abroad at the moment, at this stage of uncertainty. Israel's borders have been closed to tourists since the beginning of the week because of the new Omicron variant. Even vaccinated Israelis must be quarantined for at least three days after returning from abroad.

All African countries are considered red countries except North Africa and travel to those places is generally prohibited. Bennett wrote on Facebook on Wednesday night that he understood the criticism but since Friday they have learned more about the variant and in which states it has spread. The Coronavirus cabinet has decided which states you can go to and under what conditions.

He stated his family immediately cancelled their originally planned holiday for the current Hanukkah holiday after the holiday destination was designated as a "red country". They subsequently booked a holiday to a country to which they would be allowed to travel under the new regulations. The 49-year-old wrote further that they would be quarantined upon their return. Numerous relatives of Israelis abroad, who are not allowed to enter Israel because of the new restrictions also voiced criticism on social media.