The Public Security Ministry reported that 156 Israeli worshippers returning from the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage in Ukraine have tested positive for coronavirus despite presenting a negative virus test.
The ministry announced that 117 pilgrims have been called in for police questioning on suspicion of forging coronavirus tests and knowingly spreading a communicable disease.
"These are serious criminal offenses, which can lead to prison sentences of up to 5 years. All arrivals who have tested positive will report to Israel Police for questioning at the end of a ten-day recovery period, criminal proceedings will be launched against all of them and the offenses will be dealt with severely," the ministry said in a statement.