Health minister brands decision a 'disgrace' after interior minister says 'no chance' Israel will pony up costs; Shaked says hosting families can pay for private care instead

Health minister says installation to be manned by civilians; timeline not yet clear, but could be as early as next week

The highest amount of cases, 35%, reported in Tel Aviv and central region; over 40% take place within the family

More than 1,700 COVID fatalities recorded so far in 2022; over 75% of deaths overall were among those above age 70

As fifth coronavirus wave appears to wane and travel restrictions eased, health minister says lifting mask mandate is not high on his agenda

Under new plan, tourists must submit to pre- and post-flight PCR tests, but returning Israelis will no longer need to show a negative COVID test before flying home

Plan will increase monthly minimum wage to NIS 6,000 by 2025; first bump scheduled for April will be just NIS 100, drawing consternation from left-wing ministers

Bennett says time is right to ease COVID restrictions as number of seriously ill patients drops below 900; ministers to meet on travel regulations

Minister Horowitz says prohibition, including punitive measures against violators, is needed to stop 'soul-destroying' practice

Nitzan Horowitz says Omicron surge led to crisis, rather than calls by hardline religious groups not to give blood to MDA over forms referring to 'parent 1 and 'parent 2'