News site quotes minister in Gantz's party arguing that while the proposal is right ethnically, it could backfire politically; Likud reportedly believes bill poses little threat

Officials say agreements with Athens and Cyprus only a matter of time, contrary to situation in EU, which has closed its borders to Israelis for time being

Health Ministry tells Knesset it plans to end requirement for travelers from virus-free states; flights must resume, says Ben Gurion Airport chief, or Israelis should learn to swim

1,939 new cases recorded over past 24 hours, the highest yet, as government expected to order businesses to close Friday afternoon for the duration of the weekend

Ministers, opposition figures, businesses and medical officials all lambaste tough measures they say will cause enormous damage to the economy, with no clear plan forward

Cabinet gears for critical meeting where additional regulations will be weighed, including closing synagogues and gyms and restrictions on public transportation, restaurants

Despite overtures to Blue and White Party minister to ditch predecessor's much-maligned scheme, Asaf Zamir says pros outweigh cons, project 'in the public interest'

Petah Tikva deputy mayor Uriel Busson to become party's newest lawmaker after Rabbi Baruch Gazahay dropped candidacy amid outcry over his comments disparaging women

Party leader Gantz meets with 4 incoming lawmakers, all women, set to join his faction; one additional replacement will side with opposition

Finance, tourism ministries announce aid for ravaged hotels, to allow them to function without vital income from foreign tourists