Ultra-Orthodox Jews receive harsher punishments for sins than secular Jews, Gershon Edelstein says in latest attempt to blame pandemic on anything but science

Hours before classes set to start, Education Ministry yet to release official guidelines to teachers, students; Arab officials say community's schools won't open at all this week

Rebuffing cabinet decision, mayors say they've not had time to prepare and will only open when it is safe to do so; Education Ministry says openings will be staggered until Tuesday

Avraham Rubinstein, head of ultra-Orthodox city hit hard by outbreak, expresses appreciation in Memorial Day speech for troops who supplied residents during quarantine

Curfew goes into effect from Sunday at 6 a.m. and will last at least 5 days after these areas see spike in infections; IDF to ensure residents have access to food, basic services

No soldiers injured, but car windshield smashed; army chief denounces attack; 8 arrested after dozens take part in demonstration

New cases seen spiking in other ultra-Orthodox cities as well, even as country begins easing restrictions

Health Ministry encouraged by effects of containment measures, but unnamed officials express concern that decision not based only on infection rates

Protests come despite lockdown on Jerusalem neighborhoods expiring, easing of coronavirus restrictions on public prayer, ritual baths

Health officials encouraged by effects of the containment measures and willingness of sick residents to be moved to isolation hotels in worst hit areas