Public Security Ministry asks IDF for 16 battalions to enforce lockdown (Jerusalem Post)

By ANNA AHRONHEIM MARCH 22, 2020 16:34

With the militaries of neighboring countries imposing coronavirus lockdowns, Israel’s Public Security Ministry has asked the IDF to provide 16 battalions to help the police enforce a nationwide quarantine should one be imposed.

On Sunday Israel’s KAN public broadcaster reported that as part of the request, each police district will be assisted by two IDF battalions which will enforce the lockdown as well as assist in supplying essential equipment.

... The police on Sunday reported that officers have made over 14,000 visits to patients under quarantine to make sure that they were complying with isolation orders. Some 126 investigations were opened against those violating the order. Police also dispersed 42 large gatherings and 18 businesses which “blatantly violated” the Health Ministry’s guidelines were shut down.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, troops were seen on the streets of Lebanon and Jordan enforcing the government-ordered lockdowns.

https://m.jpost.com/Israel-News/Public-Security-Ministry-asks-IDF-for-16-battalions-to-enforce-lockdown-621905