PM asserts that lockdown, combined with vaccination campaign, can make Israel the 1st country to overcome coronavirus crisis

Yuli Edelstein says 'the vaccines will save all of us,' believes this trumps religious rules; chief Sephardic rabbi denies request was made to approve vaccinations on weekends

Local authorities decry partial closure of schools; virus czar says lockdown likely Israel's last, will probably be extended beyond 2 weeks

Health minister says vaccines to be made available to all age groups in 1-2 weeks, says appointments for elderly and at-risk groups will be moved up

Netanyahu, Health Ministry approve new restrictions that will limit movement, commerce, gatherings; education system to remain partially open; 65,000 vaccinated on Wednesday

Officials said to fear recent spike in Haredi infections is result of variant; Health Ministry said to recommend 25-day shut down of all non-essential public life, starting Sunday

Cabinet to meet Wednesday afternoon to make decision, with leaders reportedly at odds over timing for reimposing sweeping restrictions

After serving in interim capacity since April, attorney Sagit Afik set to become next full-time legal adviser for the parliament

Health minister says country has 'missed the train' on tightening restrictions and must now enter a full closure, as virus test positivity rate climbs above 5%

Health minister says vaccinations to begin in old-age homes; 270,000 said to book appointments for shots as call centers continue to be swamped