Police Deputy Commissioner Moti Cohen said on Tuesday that police are prepared to enforce a government decision imposing nighttime curfew on 40 communities across the country with high rates of coronavirus infections.
"Israel Police is ready to implement the political echelon's decision and enforce and supervise actions of nighttime curfew imposed on significant virus hotspots throughout the country," said Cohen. "The increased police presence that will begin tonight comes after a particularly long and intense period, in which Israeli police officers work around the clock to enforce regulations and maintain public health alongside other tasks."
"Our enforcement policy will continue to rely, first and foremost, on discourse, education, discretion and cooperation with the public. This is what I expect from each and every commander and officer on the mission.
"The key to success is the public's obedience to the rules and cooperation with the different authorities. We expect the public to observe the provisions of the law and obey the police instructions, because only together will we succeed in maintaining the health of all of us and curbing the spread of the virus."
Earlier on Tuesday, ministers approved, after multiple delays, a list of 40 cities, communities and neighborhoods that will be placed under night-time curfew due to high coronavirus contagion rates.
The curfew will be in place between 7pm and 5am for a period of one week.
Among the areas hardest hit by the virus are a majority of Arab Sector communities and cities and neighborhoods with a predominately ultra-Orthodox population.