Prime Minister Netanyahu has insisted that schools will be closed for all grades in the first two weeks of the proposed lockdown, and that they will Inly reopen for the lower grades in the two weeks thereafter.His remarks were made at this afternoon's cabinet meeting at which lockdown proposals are to be decided upon.

PM, Gamzu to make public announcement at 8 o'clock re: lockdown

Deputy Health Minister Yoav Kish (Likud) told ministers at today's cabinet meeting that the now-regular left-wing protests against the government and Prime Minister Netanyahu pose a danger to public health."There is no debate among senior officials at the Health Ministry In this issue," he said. "In order to win public confidence, we have to be impartial."Earlier today, Attorney-General Mandelblit expressed his opinion that "people can't be prevented from protesting."

A special ministerial committee is to be set up in order to decide In the question of whether to shut down Ben Gurion airport, during the nationwide lockdown that is expected to be imposed at the end of this week.

Gov't has authorized continuation of classes until Friday

Left-wing activists have stated their intention to hold a demonstration outside the White House this Tuesday, continuing their protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu even at the moment when he is in the process of signing a historic peace treaty with the United Arab Emirates.

Police have confiscated and destroyed around 17,000 cannabis saplings found in greenhouses in the south of the country.27 separate locations were raided, and equipment being used to grow the plants was also seized.

Schools to remain open until Friday, rather than close Wednesday. Government expected to vote in favor of national lockdown.