Virus czar admits two tests on market not always accurate, Bennett reportedly seeking 50 million kits in 10 days as frustration over new rules mounts

Bennett says kids, teaching staff to receive 3 kits each; ministry allows food stores to sell tests, lawmakers discuss price caps to address price gouging fears

But report says spread of new variant could end up being greater but go unrecorded under new testing rules; senior official: 12% of cases among people who previously had COVID

Scientists tell NYT that boosting antibody levels not a guarantee against Omicron infections, suggest better to wait for vaccine tailored to variant

A day after the PM announced a second booster dose would be made available to over-59s and medical staff, nearly 20,000 reportedly get vaccine, with nearly 100,000 more signing up

Nitzan Horowitz says the situation is under control and 'spreading fear' is unhelpful, insists no plans for lockdowns or similar measures, but 'our finger is always on the trigger'

Salman Zarka warns the Delta variant still putting people in hospital; admits less-than-robust restrictions won't help, so no need for them

Health Ministry director says expanding 4th vaccine shot possible, 'complex' decision to be made on schools; virus czar says Omicron outbreak renders Israel's travel bans obsolete

Salman Zarka says traces of Omicron found in sewage systems, while Sharon Alroy-Preis emphasizes need for vaccines as health officials address joint panel at Knesset

Health Ministry chief Ash cautions it is still unclear how vaccine-resistant the strain may be; virus czar Zarka says it will take another week to clarify the impact of the variant