[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Israel, which has banned the entry of foreigners coming from Korea to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is reportedly planning to quarantine about 200 Koreans in a military base near Jerusalem, sparking strong opposition from local residents.
According to the Times of Israel on the 23rd (local time), residents of Har Gilo, a Jewish settlement south of Jerusalem, occupied the roads on the outskirts of the southern part of the settlement and held protests by burning tires. They demanded, "Quarantine COVID-19, not the village."
They sent a letter to Naftali Bennett, Israel's Minister of Defense, urging him to "cancel this dangerous and unreasonable decision." They also pointed out that since Har Gilo, the selected quarantine site, is close to Jerusalem, the spread of the disease could put residents of Jerusalem and another nearby Jewish settlement, Gush Etzion in the West Bank, at risk.
Earlier, Israeli internet media Ynet reported that Israeli authorities, concerned about the spread of COVID-19, might quarantine about 200 Korean tourists at a military base near Jerusalem. The Har Gilo military base, located in the center of the settlement, is usually used for military training and education. The Times of Israel explained, "This measure still requires approval from senior government officials."
Local residents also submitted a petition to the High Court demanding the withdrawal of the quarantine plan. The Gush Etzion Regional Council strongly opposed the decision to quarantine without agreement with local authorities and demanded the government immediately halt the measure.
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