Mayor, who heads the newly founded party The Israelis, says city will allow holders of 'green passports' to attend concerts, exhibitions; culture minister: 'Put populism aside'

Cabinet to meet later this week to decide how to proceed, as Health Ministry pushes to keep restrictions in place; 44 new fatalities reported over weekend

Survey of first 600 people to get second dose sees 70% report mild discomfort or localized pain, but no serious reactions; 13 suffer temporary facial paralysis after first shot

Over 2 million shots administered so far, but infections remain high, and strict lockdown may be extended beyond January 21

Germany, Austria, Belgium, others reportedly fear document will create indirect obligation to get inoculated; Israel said set to expand shots to those aged 45+, as cases stay high

External contractor allegedly abused his power to falsely inform woman that she'd been in contact with COVID-19 patients

Vaccination campaign reportedly loses steam amid shortages, but 500k more doses to arrive next week; 8 cases of South African variant found in Israel

Reported plan would see Israel first reopen kindergartens, some school grades and stores, then using document to control access to hotels, culture and sports venues

Move announced hours after anyone 55-plus was made eligible for shots, as country continues to lead world in immunization rate with over one in five given first dose

Lockdown exit to be gradual, according to Health Ministry sources; 1,870,652 people have received their first vaccine shot as second Moderna shipment expected this week