Officials acknowledge reopening schools could see a further surge in already record virus numbers, but country determined to keep education system open; 250,000 to miss first day

Health Ministry figures show 6,576 new cases identified on Sunday; ministry chief says leveling-off of serious cases means holiday lockdown off the table

Shasha-Biton says initial statements opposing vaccines during school hours were 'too harsh,' vows to 'unreservedly' help Health Ministry implement inoculation plan

Officials will back return to classrooms on September 1, reports say, and expect serious cases to drop to some 500 by mid-September

Hospital director say government must boost level of support for them to continue operations, warn of service downgrade starting Wednesday; minister holds impromptu talks

But data indicates Israel cresting latest COVID wave; officials see 3rd shot offering best protection yet, expect it to last longer; cabinet said likely to open schools Sep. 1

Bennett says an open Israel is 'within reach,' but avoiding 4th closure requires public's cooperation: 'You can protect yourselves, your livelihoods, our economy, our kids'

Nachman Ash instructs principals to permit medical teams on-site during school hours to inoculate students whose parents give approval

Officials tell Knesset panel the vaccine is less effective at countering mutation that has rampaged across South America and reached the US

Health Ministry chief accepts expert panel's recommendation to back move; HMOs start scheduling appointments; health minister receives 3rd shot: 'Now is a critical time'