SCOOP: The dispute between the Israel delegation and White House staff over wearing face masks & maintaining social distancing is ongoing & very hot. Israeli security is making this a demand. WH staff are arguing among themselves as to what is safe vs. what will please Trump. 1/
Trump has requested that no masks be worn, and chairs be placed right next to each other as if it was one of his rallies. Trump is again saying there is "no problem and the virus is going away" and "just look at our economy — it's coming back". 2/
Israeli security responded "You have 200,000 Americans dead, it’s getting worse. We won’t allow our PM to get this virus." The Israeli delegation was told not to leave their hotel by local DC authorities, but WH told them to ignore as “we’re in control, not the local police.” 3/
As of now, WH plans to limit press coverage—they don't want Trump supporters seeing people wearing masks. Israeli security openly fears Netanyahu's age—they don’t want him getting the virus or being around people not wearing masks as Israel is about to enter a 3-week lockdown. 4/
The official White House notice sent to the press states that all are requested to wear masks, but the WH will not enforce this. Even worse, they’re encouraging WH staffers and others who will be attending not to wear masks as "it looks better.” 5/
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