Bank of Israel says economic damage of latest closure actually expected to be somewhat less than previous ones, due to more lax restrictions and schools staying partly open

Day before Israel enters its third national lockdown, Health Ministry says over 74,000 people got their first shots on Thursday

Multiple reports indicate concern new, more transmissible coronavirus variant from Britain is widely dispersed, as Health Ministry confirms 5th case

Yuli Edelstein says 'the vaccines will save all of us,' believes this trumps religious rules; chief Sephardic rabbi denies request was made to approve vaccinations on weekends

Health Ministry okays use of up to 6 doses per bottle, which could significantly boost vaccine supply; PM hopes that by next weekend, 100,000 Israelis will be immunized a day

Local authorities decry partial closure of schools; virus czar says lockdown likely Israel's last, will probably be extended beyond 2 weeks

Netanyahu, Health Ministry approve new restrictions that will limit movement, commerce, gatherings; education system to remain partially open; 65,000 vaccinated on Wednesday

Liora Valinsky says army operation to cut chain of infection is weak, unprofessional, ineffective and sending thousands into quarantine for no good reason

Health Ministry says move is aimed at 'significantly' boosting pace of inoculation drive

Health minister says country has 'missed the train' on tightening restrictions and must now enter a full closure, as virus test positivity rate climbs above 5%