Coronavirus cabinet also expected to discuss plan by new coronavirus czar to give some cities more freedom to set their own pandemic regulations

Yuli Edelstein says no evidence to show measure has helped curb spread of COVID-19: 'Besides bothering the public it doesn't do anything'

TV report says ministers to introduce new restrictions in hotspots; Eilat municipality threatens to sue COVID-19 patient who stayed at hotel for 3 days

At press conference, Edelstein encouraged by declining infection rate; virus czar urges ultra-Orthodox community to heed rules; PM says vaccine prospects 'encouraging'

Meanwhile, Health Minister Edelstein says outcry over program is 'anti-Semitism,' and anyway majority of those arriving are not ultra-Orthodox

Ultra-Orthodox parties announce agreement with Health Ministry, claim new COVID-19 rules to be implemented before Wednesday evening

In post earlier this month, Ronni Gamzu called widespread closures a 'doomsday weapon,' said he prefers less-severe restrictions

Initial results of serology tests on 70,000 Israelis show between 1% and 8% have been infected; rate much higher in known hotspots like Jerusalem, Bnei Brak than in rest of country

Former health official gives up on position after failing to reach agreement with Netanyahu and Edelstein over division of power

Yuli Edelstein demanding that former Health Ministry director report to him; latter warns that if no deal is reached by day's end he won't take job