Daily average continues to inch toward 2,000; 208 patients in serious condition as government implements new restrictions to try and stop the spread

After restaurants temporarily exempted from sweeping closures, gyms and shops close for weekend while gatherings limited until further notice; education system to run normally

1,939 new cases recorded over past 24 hours, the highest yet, as government expected to order businesses to close Friday afternoon for the duration of the weekend

In other reported measures, camps, schools, kindergartens to be shut, indoor gatherings limited to 10, restaurants limited to takeout and delivery; full cabinet vote Thursday night

List of 200-300 people reportedly includes top officials who could be under fire if The Hague rules tribunal can be opened into alleged crimes in West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem

Blue and White chairman downplays reported disagreements with Netanyahu, stands ground on 2-year budget, saying whoever walks back agreement on matter would be inviting elections

Edelstein says he'll know in three or four days if a closure will be imposed, rejects calls to shift responsibility away from Health Ministry

PM said to say stalling will lead to new full lockdown; Blue and White accuses him of playing politics, wants military to take control of crisis; Bar Siman-Tov rules out a return

Cabinet said to weigh limiting gatherings to 10 people, while National Security Council recommends shuttering restaurants, sans deliveries, in addition to synagogues and yeshivas

After delays and amid ongoing pushback by military, Defense Ministry moving forward with plan to relocate Intelligence Directorate to the northern Negev