Israel is set to end all local Covid-19 restrictions after a successful vaccine rollout that has almost eradicated new infections.
The country’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that the majority of the population had received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and around 92% of those over 50 were inoculated or recovered.
Having had three lockdowns since the beginning of the pandemic, Israel has been gradually reopening its economy.
Just 12 new cases of COVID were reported in Israel on Saturday, down from its peak number of more than 10,000 cases in January.
Limits on activities deemed of higher risk and the number of people permitted to gather in specific areas will remain.
Health Minister Yuldi Edelstein said: "Israel is returning to routine less than six months ago, we started the vaccination campaign.
"Thanks to the excellent work of the workers in the health system.
"We carried out the best vaccination drive in the world. We have long been reaping our reward with low morbidity."
He added: “Now, to my joy, the situation allows us to cancel the use of the Green Pass and the restrictions of the Purple Badge.”
The Green Pass system will be scrapped from the 1 st of June.
This was a pass issued by the government given to those who are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID.
The Green Pass holders were given access to certain events and venues, allowing greater freedom.
He said: "The economy and the citizens of Israel will get extra room to breathe.”
Israel's borders will remain closed to most incoming travel, although it has begun to allow small groups of vaccinated visitors in.
The Health Ministry is also due to consider the need for the current requirement to wear masks in closed spaces but said that the restriction will remain for at least another two weeks.
Edelstein warned that if cases begin to rise, restrictions will have to be reinforced.
He said: “The Health Ministry is working to continue the low morbidity and will continue to comprehensively observe the situation to prevent an outbreak.
"Of course, if there is an outbreak, we will have to go back.”
