As new restrictions take effect, all Israelis returning to country are now required to immediately enter quarantine until confirmed virus-free by twin PCR tests

Nitzan Horowitz justifies his backing of controversial Shin Bet tracking for those infected, says use will be carefully monitored; Israel confirms its 2nd Omicron case

International arrivals will only be able to exit Ben Gurion Airport by private vehicle or taxi; latest case of new COVID-19 strain arrived from South Africa

Angelique Coetzee, part of the team that discovered the new COVID-19 strain, says even unvaccinated patients treated by her have had mild symptoms

President Cyril Ramaphosa says blacklisting his nation is 'scientifically unjustified'; UN health director in Africa says it may only slightly reduce the spread of COVID

Amid opposition to controversial cellphone surveillance, including from ministers, government says tool will only be used for carriers of variant, will end Thursday

Tourism minister demands compensation plan for industry workers as restrictions barring entry to foreign nationals poised to take effect

More gradual spread means more time to get kids immunized and to source special supplies if necessary, like vaccines adapted for Omicron and antibody cocktails for treatment

UAE airline says planned December 6 inauguration of regular flights from Dubai postponed until further notice amid Omicron variant scare

Two friends from South Africa, who flew out before new restrictions were announced Thursday night, say they were 'treated like criminals'