PM, health minister make the case for extending lockdown beyond weekend to complete more vaccinations, prevent gatherings

Edelstein says just 34% of education workers have been immunized; union head claiming figure is actually 76.3% and accuses him of 'incitement'

Education minister reportedly says new strains 'change the rules of the game'; over 50% of infected students are Haredi

Haredi parties reportedly threaten 'broad consequences' if Knesset passes legislation doubling penalties for breaking closure orders

Edelstein rejects criticism, says Israel should be compared to Western nations in its handling of the pandemic, many of which have fared far worse

2 arrested, 2 cops injured in clashes as Bnei Brak yeshiva is closed; Edelstein calls for upping enforcement, defends appeals to top rabbi

As trend starts reversing, deputy health minister says that while infections are now waning, the decline is blunted by the fast-spreading British mutation of the virus

Health minister says over 2.2 million people in country have now had at least one dose; 8,511 new infections detected on Tuesday, down from over 10,000 the day before

Health minister orders providers to prepare to administer 250,000 shots per day; ministry recommends vaccines for pregnant and nursing women

Positive test rate highest in months, as officials make grim prediction of major outbreak in spring despite vaccination campaign