Parts of Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Lod, Ramle, Kiryat Malachi become 'restricted zones' for 7 days; capital's mayor says closures will cause 'mass infections'

Parts of Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Lod, Ramle, Kiryat Malachi declared 'restricted zones' for 7 days from Friday 1 p.m.; 1,650 infections recorded in 24 hours, a single-day record

As number of diagnosed cases continues to surge, nurses tasked with following up on those who may have been exposed are unable to keep pace

Opponents say new emissions permit will see Nesher factory near Ramle in central Israel discharge even greater amounts of harmful mercury and other chemicals into air

Opponents urge Environment Ministry to reject Nesher factory's bid to use more dangerous waste and metals in fuel, raw materials

As funeral of three men shot dead on Saturday sparks more attacks, Arab community on track for bloodiest year yet

Police investigators trying to determine if incident was suicide or murder

Heba al-Labadi, who is being detained without charge since her August arrest at the crossing between Jordan and West Bank, transferred for treatment to Ramle Prison Medical Center

Protest takes place in Ramle, where prominent imam shot days earlier; Joint List MK says police would be acting swiftly if 'weapons were aimed at Jews'

Police investigating incident in central Israel city, which has seen several other killings in the past two weeks