Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, senior cabinet ministers and health officials are likely to announce as early as Tuesday morning that all Israelis will have to stay within close proximity of their homes or face legal consequences, as the nation-wide lockdown continues.
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Following a lengthy meeting, the ministers decided to ratchet up the restrictions aimed at increasing social distancing, with the hope that this will help "flatten the curve" of the coronavirus pandemic and reduce the number of patients at any given moment.
The new measures, which were likely to be approved via a conference call overnight Monday, would essentially prohibit Israelis from leaving their neighborhood, unless in very rare circumstances.
One of the provisions could also result in many businesses shut down and public transportation coming to a complete halt.
Grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open.
Another component in the decision includes tight enforcement of the lockdown, which will likely mean Israelis would be prosecuted if they leave their homes without proving they have a valid reason, such as to buy food or medicine.
