Government introduces compensation package for tourism sector further decimated by Omicron variant restrictions, including offers of up to $9,500 for those who shift industries

New plan would have allowed only vaccinated shoppers into non-essential stores; business owners vowed to rebel, saying it would severely curtail revenue

European Commission president warns Omicron variant could become dominant in Europe next month, but adds bloc has ample vaccines; WHO says variant likely present in most countries

Health correspondent Nathan Jeffay gives an update on the latest Omicron data and Ops and Blogs editor Miriam Hershlag discusses two recent pieces about the impact of the pandemic

Stressing that Gantz did not sit next to the aide on the US flight, his office says he is not obligated to isolate but will be doing so as a precautionary measure

Justice minister says party member Yifat Shasha-Biton was correct in firing her ministry's director-general

Day after ministry director fired, former employee claims Yifat Shasha-Biton wouldn't let figures on classroom outbreaks be shared with Bennett; minister's office: 'A heap of lies'

PM and staff take precaution after sharing plane with a positive case on flight back from UAE

Proposal would bar those without proof of immunity or a negative COVID test from non-essential stores; numerous shop owners vow to oppose step, which one minister calls 'madness'

Pharma giant also says full study results confirm medication reduces combined hospitalizations and deaths by about 89% among high-risk adults