Netanyahu’s wife violated lockdown 'to get a haircut'

Israel's prime minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu, violated national lockdown restrictions to get a haircut, according to media reports on Wednesday.

The Israeli daily newspaper said sources close to the family admitted that a private hairdresser had gone to Netanyahu's private residence - violating restrictions enacted by the PM himself - and was paid using taxpayers’ money. 

While Bejamin Netanyahu is permitted such services due to his role as a public figure, his wife allegedly did not know she was not entitled to the same priviledges. 

"Before the Sukkot holiday, Mrs. Netanyahu filmed an informational video in the service of the public in which she called on everyone to wear masks. Since she is an influential public figure and this was an informational video in the service of the public, she assumed she was allowed to use the services of a hairdresser," the sources allegedly said to Yedioth Ahronoth.

The Israeli premier is already facing trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust - allegations which he denies. With protesters rallying against lockdown restrictions, Sara Netanyahu's violations are likely to come under increasing scrutiny. 

With over 270,000 coronavirus infections confirmed and over 1,700 deaths in a population of 9 million, Israel currently has the world's highest weekly infection rate per capita.

Late Monday night, the government announced that a meeting of the coronavirus cabinet, chaired by Netanyahu, had decided to extend a state of emergency imposed last week for a further seven days.

Parliament has approved a law restricting demonstrations as part of a coronavirus-related state of emergency, which critics say is primarily aimed at silencing protests against Netanyahu.

The bill declared a state of emergency for one week, renewable for further seven-day periods.

The draconian regulations limit open-air gatherings to 20 people and bar demonstrators from travelling more than one kilometre (0.6 mile) to attend protests.

In response, localised rallies have mushroomed along with mobile phone apps giving users locations of demonstrations near their homes.

A general lockdown on many retail businesses and all bars and restaurants went into force on 18 September.