Roni Numa reportedly among several people being considered for new post announced by health chief; Gantz, Edelstein agree to expand cooperation between defense, health ministries

Siegal Sadetzki says government campaign to halt the virus spread has 'lost direction,' her professional opinion no longer heeded

Edelstein says new dramatic restrictions needed to flatten the curve; 962 infections confirmed in 24 hours, bringing total to 30,749; 2 deaths announced

Health Ministry says 1,130 cases confirmed and 24,732 tests performed Thursday, both single-day records; Netanyahu: 'You can't hug your grandfather and grandmother now'

Blood samples from some 70,000 people to be checked during initial phase of survey aimed at determining extent of population's exposure to COVID-19

Edelstein insists public gatherings, weddings must be scaled back; says limitations are ‘unpleasant’ but necessary; ministers to resume discussions on Monday

Prime minister warns he will bring back closures if recent spike in cases is not leveled, says foreign tourists not even under consideration for now

Officials at Ichilov Hospital said to believe infection spread among staff during mealtimes; 217 new cases found in Israel in 24 hours after several days below 200

But Sigal Sadetzky says situation not ‘out of control’ and transmission has slowed since first outbreak; 182 new infections recorded over past day

Prof. Chezy Levy, director of Ashkelon's Barzilai Medical Center, replaces Moshe Bar Siman-Tov, who led coronavirus pandemic response