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Ayatollah-linked daily: Israeli ship hit by blasts 'possibly' spying

Hardline Kayhan newspaper says Helios Ray cargo vessel now docked in Dubai for repairs after mysterious blast in Gulf of Oman may have been 'trapped in an ambush by a branch of resistance axis,' a reference to Iranian proxies

Associated Press , 10:20 , 02.28.21

U.S. authorizes Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, making it third available

One-shot vaccine is found to be 66% effective at preventing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 four weeks after inoculation, while it is100% effective in preventing hospitalization and death due to the virus

Reuters , 08:52 , 02.28.21

Israeli investigators to join probe into ship explosions in the Gulf

Defense Minister Benny Gantz says his "initial assessment" was that Iran is responsible for the blasts that left holes above the waterline in both sides of the hull of the Israeli owned vehicle carrier that was on rout from Saudi Arabia to Singapore

Itamar Eichner, Agencies , 07:51 , 02.28.21

Qatar says to fund $60 mln pipeline from Israel to Gaza

The multi-national plan will see natural gas from Israel's Leviathan field flow through a new extension to power the Palestinian enclave's lone power plant, ending rolling blackouts and their damage to the local economy

Reuters , 22:08 , 02.25.21

Israel to use electronic tagging on travelers from next week

Officials say first passengers to be subjected to measure will be those from Arkia flight 232 from Frankfurt; those refusing electronic monitoring, which allows home quarantine, will be taken to coronavirus hotels

Adir Yanko , 21:25 , 02.25.21

Israel halts vaccine transfer abroad amid legal scrutiny

Decision comes after request by Attorney General Mandelblit asks PM to clarify the program that would send 45,000 vaccines to 20 friendly nations; program faced international and domestic criticism, including from Defense Minister Gantz

Itamar Eichner, Tova Tzimuki , 20:53 , 02.25.21

Israel enters first day of nighttime Purim curfew

Officials say throughout the 3-day curfew, public transportation across the country will be limited, while in Jerusalem it will be completely halted until Sunday; 250 roadblocks and 2,500 patrol cars deployed across Israel to enforce restrictions

Ynet , 20:29 , 02.25.21

Israeli man accused of raping 13-year-old girl at coronavirus hotel

Police say the 21-year-old defendant allegedly choked, beat and sexually assaulted the victim - who he claims had consented to the acts - for two straight days, while supplying her drugs and alcohol at the isolation facility for at-risk youth

Itay Blumenthal , 18:59 , 02.25.21

Report: Israel in talks to establish defense alliance with Saudis, UAE and Bahrain

According to i24NEWS report, unnamed Israeli officials said the Jewish state is 'constantly working' to improve ties with neighbors but would not confirm details of alleged negotiations that come as Biden signals return to Iran nuclear deal

i24NEWS, New Agencies , 17:47 , 02.25.21

Gantz moves to halt plan to share virus vaccines with allies

Defense minister slams PM for acting without transparency, demands matter be approved in cabinet; Bernie Sanders says it is 'outrageous' Netanyahu would use spare jabs to reward foreign allies instead of inoculating Palestinians

Associated Press , 16:52 , 02.25.21

26-year-old COVID patient dies from suspected virus complications

Family of Ramzi Abu-Miala from East Jerusalem say he did not suffer from any underlying illnesses and was not inoculated against coronavirus; patient was not aware he was COVID positive until he collapsed at home

Hassaan Shaalan, Yael Friedson , 16:35 , 02.25.21

Syria receives vaccines from 'friendly country' after reports of Israel-Russia deal

Damascus comment comes days after Jerusalem reportedly paid Moscow for vaccination doses for Syrians as part of Kremlin-brokered prisoner swap that saw return of Israeli detained after crossing Syrian border

Reuters , 15:37 , 02.25.21

U.S., Israel said to revive security forum over Iran nuke program

Renewal of the policy collaboration reportedly comes in wake of Tehran's announcement that it will limit UN nuclear watchdog's access to its atomic facilities and other information regarding its nuclear plans

i24NEWS , 14:49 , 02.25.21

Netanyahu, Bahrain PM discuss U.S. return to Iran nuclear talks

Bahraini news agency says two leaders discussed importance of participation by regional states in any negotiations on the Iranian agreement to support 'security and stability in the region'; PMO says conversation also included Manama visit

News Agencies , 14:37 , 02.25.21

For Israel's allies, road to vaccines runs through Jerusalem

Israel's decision to share its stockpile of vaccination with its allies has garnered widespread criticism from serval international elements for its refusal to share its vaccines with the Palestinians

Associated Press , 13:15 , 02.25.21

Netanyahu speaks with Pelosi about two-state solution

Speaker of U.S. House says spoke to PM to ‘reaffirm the unbreakable bond between our nations’, as well as COVID-19 response and 'shared hope for regional peace'

TPS , 12:32 , 02.25.21

Hundreds celebrate Purim in Tel Aviv ahead of night curfew

Crowds flock to the alleys of the Carmel Market, flouting health regulations, before nationwide curfew goes into effect over Jewish festival; police disperse partygoers, later moving to Rothschild Boulevard

Itay Blumenthal , 11:38 , 02.25.21

Secretive Dimona nuclear facility undergoes major project

According to satellite images provided by AP, site undergoing extensive infrastructure work - probably largest in decades; photos show a dig about the size of a soccer field and likely several stories deep just meters from aging reactor

Associated Press , 10:13 , 02.25.21

Israel deports Haredi families that forged entry permits

One family of 13 deported back to NYC Wednesday night, while authorities examine further actions against second family of seven whose mother is an Israeli citizen

Itay Blumenthal , 00:07 , 02.25.21

Giving vaccines to allies buys goodwill, Netanyahu says

Israel reportedly ships roughly 100,000 Moderna vaccines to some 15 allies, including countries that have recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, as well as several friendly African countries

Associated Press , 21:15 , 02.24.21

Iran hampering nuclear oversight and threatening stability, FM warns

Ashkenazi remarks follow Iran's announcement it will limit international access to its nuclear sites; 'Iran is moving in the wrong direction' warns U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price

TPS , 20:32 , 02.24.21

Israel reinstates isolation hotels, launches electronic tagging for travelers

Knesset panel approves isolation in hotels for arrivals from abroad until March 2; those who wish to isolate at home instead will be asked to put down NIS-1,500 deposit for a tracking kit

Itamar Eichner, Nina Fuchs, Adir Yanko , 19:08 , 02.24.21

MKs pass law allowing transfer of data on non-vaccinated Israelis

Legislation permits municipalities to acquire names, ID numbers, addresses and telephone numbers of local residents who have not yet been inoculated against coronavirus or missed second dose in order to encourage them to receive it

Moran Azulay , 15:13 , 02.24.21

IDF soldier critically wounded by accidental discharge on base, probe finds

Comrades who found soldier in secluded area of Jordan Valley base initially thought he had been hit by stones; investigation points to weapon used in target practice misfiring when held by commanding officer

Yoav Zitun , 14:28 , 02.24.21

Blinken: U.S. to seek election to UN rights body, tackle anti-Israel bias

Secretary of State says he urges Human Rights Council to look at how it conducts its business including disproportionate focus on Israel as he 'humbly' asks member states for support in bid to return to seat in Geneva-based assembly

Ynet, Reuters , 13:27 , 02.24.21

IDF launches manhunt after attempted knife attack on settler

Binyamin Cohen, resident of local settlement of Yitzhar says he was standing at nearby junction when he was approached by 'an Arab with a knife' who fled the scene; troops arrive at adjacent Palestinian village of Huwara

Elisha Ben Kimon, Yoav Zitun , 13:04 , 02.24.21

U.S. infectious disease guru Fauci hails Israel's 'extraordinarily good' vaccine drive

Biden's senior health adviser credits decades-old and trusted Israeli healthcare system for success of campaign; warns U.S. still has long way to go before seeing reduction in morbidity despite recent drop in new coronavirus cases

i24NEWS , 09:20 , 02.24.21

Cabinet approves nighttime curfew across Israel on Purim

Restrictions to begin Thursday evening, will be in effect from 8:30pm to 5am until Sunday; public transportation to be minimized in order to prevent travel to illicit parties over period of normally festive holiday

Ynet , 20:57 , 02.23.21

Settler youth indicted for hate crimes against Palestinians

According to charges, defendant and seven others arrived at the Palestinian village of Sarta in the northern West Bank, threw stun grenades into two homes, hurled stones at four others and vandalized three vehicles

Gilad Morag, Elisha Ben Kimon , 20:25 , 02.23.21

Israel aims to resolve Iran disputes with Biden at adviser level

Netanyahu, Gantz and Ashkenazi agree to show a united front on Israeli misgivings and proposed improvements to nuclear deal, which will be relayed by National Security Council to White House counterparts

Reuters , 19:56 , 02.23.21

El Al rescue flight from N.Y. brought back 11 virus carriers

All 11 people tested positive for COVID upon arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport, having apparently presented necessary negative test before boarding; fellow passenger says group of Haredi men were bragging about using faked tests to board

Adir Yanko, Itay Blumenthal , 18:00 , 02.23.21

Israel giving 'symbolic' number of COVID vaccines to Palestinians, other nations

Recipients include Honduras, which is due to relocate embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; PMO says vaccines earmarked for medics in countries receiving doses; official says Ashkenazi, Blinken discussed issue of vaccines for PA

Reuters , 15:57 , 02.23.21

Israeli Air Force promotes centenarian officer to colonel

IDF, IAF chiefs honor 105-year-old World War II veteran and corps founder Alex Ziloni as 'a token of appreciation for his many decades of dedication to the State of Israel'

i24NEWS , 13:33 , 02.23.21

Days before Purim, resurging spread of COVID-19 raises concerns

Officials urge Israelis to adhere to health regulations as infection rate tops weekly average for second day running; only 6.2% of new cases recorded among citizens over 60

Adir Yanko, Yaron Druckman , 10:48 , 02.23.21

Blinken stresses two-state solution in call with FM Ashkenazi

Top U.S. and Israeli diplomats discuss regional challenges as well as Israel's battle against COVID-19 pandemic, with secretary of state reiterating his country's 'unwavering commitment to Israel's security'

Itamar EIchner, Reuters , 07:50 , 02.23.21

Decades on, Israel to compensate Yemenite families whose children vanished

Ministers recognize disappearance of over 1,000 children while families were told by officials they had died without ever providing proof in state's early years; PM dubs saga as 'most painful chapter in country's history'

Itamar Eichner, Sivan Hilaie , 07:47 , 02.23.21

Court pushes evidence stage in Netanyahu's trial until after elections

Hearings will resume on April 5 and will take place 3 times a week; judges blast AG, State Prosecutor for misconduct and will consider whether to throw out some evidence at the end of proceedings

Yael Freidson , 22:28 , 02.22.21

Israel to further tighten border control in bid to leave virus variants out

Measure put in place as alternative to isolation hotels until electronic substitute is found despite thousands of Israelis still being stranded abroad; arrivals describe 'degrading' behavior by police

Itay Blumenthal , 18:42 , 02.22.21

Anti-LGBTQ incident occurs every 3 hours in Israel, report finds

Advocacy group reports almost 3,000 cases in 2020 - a 27% increase from previous year, with 1 in 5 victims under the age of 18; pandemic and subsequent lockdowns lead to rise in abuse and harassment at home, study found

Hadar Gil-Ad , 15:27 , 02.22.21

Hamas-ruled Gaza launches coronavirus vaccination drive

Palestinian official and Abbas rival Dahlan secures initial supply of some 20,000 Russian vaccines from the UAE; medical workers and patients with chronic diseases to be given vaccination priority

Associated Press , 15:10 , 02.22.21

Between Biden call and ballot, Netanyahu seeks Iran consensus with rivals

PM meets with Gantz and Ashkenazi to present a united front on the matter to Biden administration, with whom Netanyahu expects discord, and prevent out of turn remarks from rivals during election campaign

Reuters , 14:32 , 02.22.21

Edelstein to demand Purim curfew from 8pm until 5am

Health minister also favors limiting public transport to prevent young people, especially in the Haredi sector, from arriving at places where illegal mass parties are planned; cultural, sporting events to be excluded

Adir Yanko, Alexandra Lukash, Itamar Eichner , 14:18 , 02.22.21

IDF sinks suspicious vessel near Gaza shore

Military says the Gazan vessel approached a patrol boat and was identified as a threat, prompting the troops to open fire and sink it; no one was reported to have been hurt in the incident

Yoav Zitun, Elior Levy , 13:00 , 02.22.21

Israel mulling nighttime Purim curfew, says senior health official

Deputy Health Minister Kisch tells Ynet despite the vaccination drive, majority of young people – who tend to throw mass parties - still not inoculated; meanwhile, Israelis line up in front of shopping centers to buy Purim costumes

Nina Fox, Itamar Eichner, Alexandra Lukash , 10:47 , 02.22.21

Sources: Likud held talks with Palestinians over Netanyahu support in elections

According to Palestinian sources, Deputy Minister Fateen Mulla represented Likud, while Abbas's confidant Muhammad Madani spoke for Fatah; talks were held in light of alleged Palestinian fear of 'right wing radicals' Saar and Bennett

Elior Levy , 09:08 , 02.22.21

Defying government, 15 cities to reopen grades 7-10

Municipalities propose two or three days of condensed in-person schooling a week; Teachers' Union cries out against decision, says only Education Ministry can authorize move

Raanan Ben-Zur, Tamar Trabalsi Hadad , 20:44 , 02.21.21

Gaza receives COVID vaccines from UAE, helped by Abbas rival

Health officials say vaccinations will begin Monday, with priority for medical workers and those with chronic diseases; step by Mohamad Dahlan believed attempt to score points ahead of Palestinian polls in summer

Reuters , 18:51 , 02.21.21

Lebanese media: Israeli in prisoner swap deal was seen near Lebanon border

Hezbollah-affiliated reporter posts photos allegedly showing woman in a jeep and civilian clothes near the fence during period of high alert for retaliatory attack against IDF by Hezbollah for death of militant in July

Yoav Zitun, Daniel Salami , 18:20 , 02.21.21

In letter to Biden, PA and Hamas commit to two-state solution on 1967 lines

Ahead of May and July votes, factions commit to respect results and to peaceful transfer of power afterward if necessary; memorandum also asserts PLO as the sole legitimate representative for the Palestinian people

Elior Levy , 18:00 , 02.21.21

Newly surfaced Soviet-era footage shows spy Eli Cohen in Damascus

New Russian documentary series opens with video filmed by a Soviet officer of man believed to be Cohen, dubbed 'greatest Israeli spy who has ever operated in an Arab country'

Ynet , 17:33 , 02.21.21

Pregnant woman dies of COVID, child does not survive

Jerusalem hospital says Osnat Ben Sheetrit, 32-year-old mother of four, had no underlying health issues; 50 pregnant women currently hospitalized in Israel with COVID; experts urge expectant mothers to get vaccinated as soon as possible

Adir Yanko , 16:19 , 02.21.21

Ex-Israeli envoy to U.S.: Mideast not a priority for Biden

Danny Ayalon says that despite the president's delay in calling Netanyahu, he and his administration are wholly invested in Israel's security; former ambassador also says Biden determined to return to Iran nuclear deal

Itamar Eichner , 15:36 , 02.21.21

Reports: Israel bought vaccines for Syria as part of prisoner swap deal

Netanyahu tells reporters that 'not one Israeli vaccine' was involved in Kremlin-brokered exchange of Israeli woman for two Syrian shepherds who crossed border, but does not address whether Jerusalem paid for Russian vaccines

Associated Press , 14:23 , 02.21.21

Israel's businesses reopen amid dread of another shutdown

Despite being allowed to return to operations after months of inactivity, many business owners are cautious; gym owner says one problem is that their main customer base of young adults were only recently offered vaccines

Gilad Morag, Roi Rubinstein , 12:33 , 02.21.21

Israel starts reopening as number of COVID vaccinees nears 50%

Shops to be open to all, access to leisure sites like gyms and theatres limited to fully vaccinated Israelis or those who have recovered from the disease with presumed immunity; 'Green Pass' status displayed on a special Health Ministry app

Reuters , Ynet , 09:20 , 02.21.21

Iran says studying EU-proposed informal meeting with U.S.

Zarif suggests European Union foreign policy chief could coordinate next move; Tehran insists United States must first lift Trump's sanctions while Washington says Iran must return to compliance with 2015 deal as initial step

Reuters , 07:38 , 02.21.21

U.S. informed Israel ahead of Iran policy announcement, source says

Biden aides wanted to avoid blindsiding Jerusalem over the new plans, which included telling UN Security Council that Democrat's administration was rescinding Trump's assertion that all UN sanctions on Tehran were reimposed

Reuters , 11:34 , 02.19.21

Israeli woman freed from Syria returns home via Moscow

25-year-old former settler crossed into Syria weeks ago, released in exchange for two Syrian shepherds and additional Israeli compensation under gag order; initial swap was for two prisoners who refused to be sent to Syria

Associated Press, Ynet , 10:24 , 02.19.21

Israeli business plane lands in Moscow amid prisoner swap reports

Development comes just hours after IDF troops released 2 Syrian shepherds in an apparent effort to secure the release of an Israeli woman from Syrian detention; sources say deal set to be completed later in the day

Yoav Zitun, Itay Blumenthal, Itamar Eichner , 23:25 , 02.18.21

Police raid, disperse mass wedding in south Tel Aviv

Bride and groom claim all 100 attendees had been vaccinated against coronavirus, therefore the event doesn't violate health restrictions; officers fine participants, several employees and the hall's owner

Itay Blumenthal , 22:35 , 02.18.21