Finance Ministry's director pushes back against claims bureaucrats holding up aid; minister Katz said to suspend funds for needy to prevent them from reaching refugee groups

After Likud MK accuses Shaul Meridor of 'torpedoing' PM's decisions, premier says 'it's inconceivable that bureaucrats... are working to thwart' his latest financial aid proposal

Widely panned plan will see all citizens receive checks for at least NIS 750 from the government amid economic crisis, continued rise in new infections

Plan, which requires Knesset approval to change relevant laws, will extend unemployment benefits, provide grants for businesses and self-employed

Netanyahu pledges to secure swift approval for rest of proposed aid package; welfare minister raps promised assistance as a 'hangman's noose,' not a lifeline

Likud's Yoav Kisch says he recognizes 'the extent of the economic crisis' but his job is to prevent gatherings; opposition's Ya'alon lashes police minister over handling of clashes

Cops arrest several demonstrators, use riders on horseback and pepper spray to disperse crowds as traffic stalls on a number of major roads

Demonstrators at 'non-partisan' rally decry insufficient financial support to small business owners, independents, amid ongoing coronavirus crisis

Organizers, police call on protesters to observe social distancing rules, wear masks; 'We are aware of the protesters' desire to make their cries and their pain heard'

Netanyahu's office describes sit-down on coronavirus economic crisis as 'positive' while representative for businesses calls it 'charged'; sides agree on weekly meetings