Legislation allowing hotels to open passes despite warning from health officials that rapid testing necessary for keeping areas virus-free won't be ready for several more days

A day after legislation is pulled by health minister, lawmakers vote to soften restrictions, say they will tackle opening more later

MKs accuse Edelstein of holding residents hostage after he withdraws bill due to their insistence on giving special status to additional areas

With infections remaining over 500 a day, a key threshold for rolling back more restrictions, PM says next phase of easing measures may be put off

Ofir Akunis said to feel well as he isolates at home; 522 new cases identified and 322 patients in serious condition day after stores reopen

Head of public health says there is a still a 'long way to go,' as daily cases must come down to below 500; Health minister cautions situation could get out of control

'The two lockdowns completely finished us,' says one store owner forced to close down due to pandemic restrictions; those who do reopen say they feel they've been let out of jail

As ministers vote to open shops despite objections from health officials, multiple northern towns welcome local lockdown measures on their communities

Health minister and virus czar cite rising rate of new cases stemming from each infection; Finance Minister lauds move, after nearly two months of being shuttered

Next phase of easing coronavirus restrictions set for Sunday, but health officials are reportedly balking, setting up a fresh conflict with Treasury