Meeting Avi Berkowitz and David Friedman, defense minister says battling pandemic's economic toll is more urgent; touts Trump plan as 'best framework to promote Middle East peace'

Amman has reportedly made clear to Jerusalem, US and European countries that it opposes any sovereignty move; Trump envoy Berkowitz to meet Monday with Netanyahu, Gantz, Ashkenazi

Defense chief calls for negotiations on basis of Trump plan, says he'll advance 'reciprocal moves' if Israel annexes parts of West Bank, actions will be 'responsible and focused'

US Ambassador Friedman, Mideast envoy Berkowitz set to return to Israel for more work, less than a week before Netanyahu's July 1 target date to start process

'Decisions about Israelis extending sovereignty to those places are decisions for the Israelis to make,' US secretary of state says

Top officials reportedly start discussions without the US president, with no conclusions reached at end of initial meeting

'Decisive' White House meeting, to be attended by Pompeo, Kushner, Friedman, said set to determine whether US okays PM's July 1 plan for sovereignty over settlements, Jordan Valley

Preparatory work set back by weeks, maybe even months, because of COVID-19 crisis, senior source tells ToI; Kushner visit to Jerusalem also seen as vital before finalizing process

New York religious leaders briefed by Avi Berkowitz, told to close any yeshivas and schools still open

President's son-in-law's visit comes with both the American leader and Netanyahu facing legal proceedings, and Israel heading into another election