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State prosecutor announces probe of Gantz's failed startup

Blue & White leader not implicated in police investigation into Fifth Dimension, where he was chairman before entering politics; Gantz denies wrongdoing, saying move 'sounds like political pressure' ahead of election in which he will face off against indicted Netanyahu

Ynet, Associated Press , 22:05 , 02.20.20

Health Ministry threatens jail as dozens ignore coronavirus quarantine order

Officials warn of 7-year sentences for violating the 14-day isolation period, urge Israelis to act responsibly to protect public health and demand that employers ensure their staff comply

Sivan Hilaie , 21:12 , 02.20.20

IDF probe finds serious failures in data on Haredi draft

Internal inquiry commissioned by Kochavi says numbers of ultra-Orthodox inductees was vastly inflated, sometimes by more than 100%, cites 'data manipulation, deliberate and systematic violation of the law and severe professional negligence' by officers

Itay Blumenthal, Kobi Nachsoni, Associated Press , 19:31 , 02.20.20

German gunman who killed 9 called for 'complete extermination' of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt

Rambling manifesto now taken down decries 'ethnic groups, races or cultures in our midst that are destructive in every respect'; Merkel says shootings exposed 'poison' of racism in Germany, pledges to stand up against those who seek to divide the country

Associated Press , 18:32 , 02.20.20

Netanyahu announces plan to build 3,000 houses in Jerusalem settlements

The announcement comes 8 years after the plan to build in Givat HaMatos was initially put forward but halted due to international pressure; 1,000 houses will also be built for Palestinians in Beit Safafa in East J'lem

Ynet , 16:05 , 02.20.20

Thailand unhappy with Israel's entry ban over virus concerns

Country's ambassador in Tel Aviv asks Israeli government to rethink its policy of refusing entry to anyone arriving from 4 East Asian countries, saying the decision would hurt Thai workers employed in Israel, tourism

Associated Press , 14:47 , 02.20.20

Israel, Palestinians defuse agricultural trade crisis

Tit-for-tat embargoes imposed by decision-makers in Jerusalem and Ramallah removed in bid to end trade war that left local merchants out of pocket

Associated Press , 12:56 , 02.20.20

11 Israelis disembark virus-hit ship, on way back home

Four other Israeli nationals to stay in Japan after testing positive for the deadly virus; Health Ministry says an infectious disease specialist from a Jerusalem hospital to stay in Japan and accompany the sick

Ynet , 12:02 , 02.20.20

Gantz slams government corruption amid criminal probe reports

Ex-military chief dismisses allegations of being involved in fraudulent conduct as a head of a cyber-tech company; Gantz reportedly not a suspect in the case set to be investigated by AG

Roi Rubinstein, i24NEWS , 11:04 , 02.20.20

Hamas prepares to fight potential coronavirus outbreak in Gaza

The terror group that rules the enclave sets up a medical complex in cooperation with WHO officials, ready to quarantine any Gazans returning from China; PA also takes measures after officers leave for training in China

Ynet , 11:01 , 02.20.20

Fourth Israeli on virus-hit ship infected, hours before scheduled disembarking

In addition, Japanese media reports 2 passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise liner had died after being infected with the COVID-19 virus, with 29 others remaining in a serious condition

Reuters, Ynet , 08:45 , 02.20.20

Despite Netanyahu's efforts only 43 of the Falash Mura will arrive before elections

In his effort to pander for votes among the Ethiopian community, Netanyahu pledged to allow 8,000 of the Falsh Mura community to Israel despite concerns from his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners and his AG's warnings this politically motivated decision could wait until elections are over

Itamar Eichner , 23:26 , 02.19.20

Passengers of quarantined cruise ship to return to Israel on Friday

Extra precautionary measures are being taken to insure the health and safety of the entire Israeli population, 'We are as severe as we need to be' says Health Minister Yaakov Litzman

Itamar Eichner, Itay Blumenthal , 22:28 , 02.19.20

New IDF Comptroller report reveals uptick of violent and racist incidents

Despite a drop in complaints this year's report shows an uptick in violent offenses by commanders and racism directed primarily at soldiers from the Ethiopian community which the authors of the report say 'have no place in the society and certainly not the IDF'

i24NEWS , 21:46 , 02.19.20

Gantz turns down Netanyahu's debate challenge

Former IDF chief dismisses call for debate as 'election spin'; Netanyahu: Gantz too afraid to debate me and he knows why

Yuval Karni , 16:36 , 02.19.20

Israeli envoys abroad begin voting in elections amid coronavirus panic

With less than two weeks before the elections in Israel, the country's diplomatic missions abroad go to the polls, with uncertainty over how the ballots from East Asian countries will be returned to Israel to be counted

Itamar Eichner , 15:42 , 02.19.20

Israeli man killed in plane collision in Australia

Thirty-one-year-old Ido Segev appears to have lived in the country for many years; the incident is under investigation by the local police; Foreign Ministry say they are in contact with local officials

Ynet , 15:04 , 02.19.20

Sudanese welcome normalization with Israel online

Netanyahu's meeting with Sudan leader 2 weeks ago props up a wave of positive comments in the African country calling to strengthen ties with 'Sister Israel'

Itamar Eichner , 14:31 , 02.19.20

Bennett ready to 'give Hamas a chance' but prepares for 'painful spring'

The defense minister tells Ynet although recent easing of restrictions on Gaza indicate a step toward a ceasefire arrangement, the army is still preparing for a military campaign that would result in 'a fundamental change' in Gaza

Ynet , 14:13 , 02.19.20

'Everyone wants to work here,' say Gaza merchants allowed into Israel

Israeli military's decision to increase the number of permits for Palestinians in the impoverished enclave to a record 7,000 was met with jubilations among the Gazans wanting to find work

Matan Tzuri , 12:18 , 02.19.20

Israel's cold spell continues with thunderstorms and hail

As another cold front sweeps through the region, meteorologists warn of flooding due to heavy showers across all parts of the country; snowfall expected on Mount Hermon

Ynet , 11:02 , 02.19.20

Quarantined passengers disembark coronavirus-hit ship in Japan

Two Israelis are among at least 500 passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise liner that have been docked near Tokyo for the past 2 weeks; the other 10 Israeli nationals to be freed late Thursday

Reuters, Ynet , 08:50 , 02.19.20

Netanyahu challenges Gantz to a televised debate

Premier calls on rival to 'talk about the real issues'; Blue & White dismiss invitation as attempt to distract public from announcement of Netanyahu's corruption trial

Moran Azulay, Yuval Karni , 23:43 , 02.18.20

IDF to launch new Iran-focused directorate

New military branch is part of five-year plan for strengthening IDF's operational capabilities; plan envisions armed forces as more integrated and relying on advanced technological tools

Itay Blumenthal , 22:10 , 02.18.20

Hiker finds helmet of Israeli pilot who crashed in 1984

After hiker shares photo of helmet on Facebook, special Air Force investigative team confirms it belonged to pilot who crashed during training flight

Itay Blumenthal , 20:29 , 02.18.20

Israel to expand Gaza fishing zone, add entry permits

Military liaison to the Palestinians says fresh set of leniencies coming into effect is contingent upon maintaining calm from recent days

Ynet , 19:36 , 02.18.20

Teacher to face disciplinary hearing after lobbing apple at PM, comparing him to Hitler

Education minister Peretz orders to launch inquiry into incident; teacher apologizes for statement comparing Netanyahu to Nazi leader

Adir Yanko , 18:44 , 02.18.20

Netanyahu corruption trial to open on March 17

Trial scheduled to open two weeks after general election; justice who convicted former PM Olmert will lead judges' panel

Yael Freideson , 16:35 , 02.18.20

Court rules Leifer lawyers can contest experts who deemed her fit for trial

The decision will stretch the trial further, stalling the extradition of the alleged pedophile to her native Australia; early 2018 police found evidence that Leifer had faked her mental incompetence

Yael Friedson , 15:56 , 02.18.20

Daughter of Israeli coronavirus couple says parents 'thrown into hangar'

The woman claims her parents who were aboard the infected ship, had been thrown into a remote military hospital in Tokyo where the doctors speak no English, the food is inedible, and the medical staff don't know how to take basic blood tests

Meir Turgeman , 14:16 , 02.18.20

RPG warhead attached to plastic bag found in kibbutz in Gaza border region

The device was discovered in an orchard in Sdot Negev Regional Council; police sappers destroyed the device and there was no reports of casualties or damage

Matan Tzuri , 13:05 , 02.18.20

Gantz pledges to mend ties with Democrats if elected

Blue & White leader tell a mostly English-speaking crowd in Tel Aviv his party will 'rehabilitate' Israel's ties with the Democratic Party and the American Jewry following years of Netanyahu's neglect for bipartisan ties

Associated Press , 11:47 , 02.18.20

Israeli officials visit coronavirus victims hospitalized in Japan

Head of infectious diseases at Hadassah hospitals says patients being cared for well by Japanese team, only showing light symptoms; Israel preparing to repatriate remaining nationals from Diamond Princess cruise liner once they have tested negative for the virus

Ynet , 11:47 , 02.18.20

Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas for five years, to marry girlfriend

The former soldier proposed to Nitzan Shabat, a social work student, on Valentine's Day; Shalit, 33, was freed in one of the largest prisoner agreements, forcing Israel to release 1,027 security inmates

Ynet , 11:20 , 02.18.20

Health Ministry under fire for 'harmful' response to coronavirus

Sources in ministries of foreign affairs, tourism, agriculture, defense and economy say Litzman doing 'whatever he wants,' bans on Asian nations meant to prevent spread of virus will backfire in future, have adverse impact on travel to Israel

Itamar Eichner , 10:31 , 02.18.20

Another cold front to end Israel's hot spell

Meteorologists say the latest storm system will kick off in the north with thunderstorms, rain and strong winds and will spread to the rest of the country on Wednesday morning; the weather front set to last for rest of the week

Ynet , 10:03 , 02.18.20

In bid to curb coronavirus, Israel extends entry ban to East Asia locations

Non-nationals who have spent any time in past two weeks in Macau, Singapore, Hong Kong or Thailand will be denied entry, in line with Health Ministry recommendations; similar measures also taken for visitors to China, where virus originated

Ynet , 08:37 , 02.18.20

'Israel holds key to next chapter of PA ties'

Top Palestinian Authority sources warn the PA will end cooperation with Israel in case of a one-sided annexation and violence will certainly return to the region; 'Peace comes at a price,' they say but doubt whether Israel is willing to pay it

Itamar Eichner , 22:09 , 02.17.20

Satellite images show damage to Syrian sites after alleged Israeli strike

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said seven people were killed in the attack that targeted posts for Iranian-backed militias in the area near the Damascus international airport

Itay Blumenthal , 20:34 , 02.17.20

El Al set to suspend flights to Thailand over coronavirus

With new directives by the Health Ministry, CEO of flag carrier says 'hard decisions' will have to be made in the coming days regarding its popular route from Tel Aviv to Bangkok

Amir Alon, Itay Blumenthal , 16:16 , 02.17.20

Israel preparing for return of nationals on 'coronavirus ship'

Senior health official in Japan to negotiate the release of the 12 passengers still on board the quarantined Diamond Princess; three Israelis hospitalized for for infection with virus; relative of patient: we need to get them out of there like the Americans did

Ynet , 13:28 , 02.17.20

Syria military hails advance against rebels in 'record time'

Rebel opposition have been driven out of previously rebel controlled territories, mainly the key Aleppo province, by Syria's military who vows to 'eradicate what is left of terrorist groups in Syria'

Associated Press , 12:00 , 02.17.20

Netanyahu says campaign in Gaza before elections would be 'difficult'

In a meeting with heads of communities bordering the Strip, PM is quoted as saying that although all options are on the table, a ceasefire deal would be 'better than war'; heads of the local councils decry 'never-ending election cycle'

Matan Tzuri, Itamar Eichner , 22:38 , 02.16.20

Israel hopes ICC members will help stave off Palestinian investigation

Some ICC member states, including Germany, argue court's jurisdiction does not extend to Palestinian territories; Netanyahu lauds response to Israeli lobbying over case

Reuters , 21:11 , 02.16.20

Third Israeli aboard coronavirus-hit ship infected, Health Ministry confirms

The official statement says the patient, an Israeli woman, has already been taken off the Diamond Princess cruise liner; relatives rage against the Israeli government's inadequate conduct

Ynet , 20:58 , 02.16.20

More hospitals and cheaper houses: Netanyahu, Barkat unveil new financial plan

PM and his candidate for finance minister announce six ambitious potential reforms, ranging from housing market to healthcare, which are set to be implemented if Likud wins next month's elections

Roi Rubinstein , 19:59 , 02.16.20

Israel to quarantine those arriving from prominent East Asian countries

The Health Ministry expands the already-existing directive, which so far applied only to China, requiring anyone returning from Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau to quarantine themselves for at least 2 weeks

Amir Alon , 17:29 , 02.16.20

Palestinian PM: Trump's Mideast plan 'will be buried'

Mohammad Shtayyeh tells Munich Security Conference that American blueprint was nothing but 'memo of understanding' between Netanyahu and Trump, would leave future Palestinian state fragmented and with 'no sovereignty'

Associated Press , 17:10 , 02.16.20

Israeli plane uses Sudan airspace for first time

Aircraft flew from Kinshasa to Tel Aviv over Sudan after Netanyahu met with Sudanese leader earlier this month; other planes have used route but were never registered as Israeli

Itay Blumenthal , 15:15 , 02.16.20

Two Israelis on board coronavirus-hit ship are infected, Health Ministry says

Both are said to have minor symptoms of the virus, taken to hospital on the Japanese mainland; Israel is expected to send a specialist doctor to Japan to attend the couple; Katz still hoping to repatriate other Israeli passengers for quarantine in Israel

Reuters, Ynet , 14:33 , 02.16.20

IDF thwarts Hamas online honey pot plot

Posing as attractive women on several social media platforms, the terror group tries to convince soldiers to download malware disguised as a photo sharing app; officials say this so-called 'catfishing' attempt is the most sophisticated that militant group has attempted so far

Itay Blumenthal, Associated Press , 14:11 , 02.16.20

Cop goes on trial for killing Ethiopian Israeli youth

Lawyer for defendant says 19-year-old Solomon Tekah bore some responsibility for events leading to his death as police officer and family were in life-threatening situation; attorney for Tekah family says their suffering compounded by attempts to besmirch their slain son's reputation

Ahiya Raved , 13:26 , 02.16.20

Israel fears EU member states set to recognize Palestine

Jerusalem concerned that some European countries will trigger move in response to Trump plan, call for greater involvement in efforts to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict; EU foreign ministers set to meet Monday, could issue joint statement condemning U.S. blueprint for Mideast

Itamar Eichner , 12:19 , 02.16.20

Gantz: No Joint List, no Netanyahu in my future cabinet

In wide-ranging interview to Ynet just days before elections, Blue & White chairman praises Trump peace plan as 'good starting point', predicts Likud will not be able to form government until current leader, signals agreement with Liberman on ending ultra-Orthodox grip on Jewish religious life in Israel

Attila Somfalvi , 11:39 , 02.16.20

Israel strikes Gaza, cancels easing of restrictions

Despite messages from Hamas that they would stop the launch of projectiles and balloons carrying explosives across the border, mortar fire again targeted Israeli communities Saturday prompting Israel to halt to any lifting of restrictions

AFP, Ynet , 08:15 , 02.16.20

Israeli military confirms 2 rockets fired from Gaza

The projectiles set off rocket alert sirens in the community of Kissufim; earlier, tourists found bomb attached to balloons near Gaza border

Associated Press, Ynet , 22:41 , 02.15.20

Saudi foreign minister: No meeting planned with Netanyahu

Reports emerged last week on the Israel Hayom news website, which quoted unnamed Arab diplomats as saying there were discussions among the United States, Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to arrange a summit in Cairo, a meeting that could help bolster a politically embattled Netanyahu

Associated Press , 14:02 , 02.14.20

Airstrike in Damascus Thursday said to target Iranian backed militias, seven reported killed

Syrian news agencies report missiles were fired over the Golan Heights and the British based observatory for Human Rights reported seven fatalities in the attack among them four from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps

Associated Press, Ynet , 09:00 , 02.14.20

IDF five-year plan: More lethal, high-tech army with focus on Iran threat

Momentum Plan calls for strengthening operational capabilities, upgrading quality and quantity of IAF armaments, turning the military into deadly force that fights in unified manner at sea, on land, in air and in electronic warfare

Yoav Zitun , 20:35 , 02.13.20

U.S. rejects 'anti-Israel' UN database of companies in settlements

Pompeo says black list of more than 100 firms 'confirms unrelenting bias so prevalent at United Nations' and hurts efforts for Mideast peace, vows American government will not provide any information; Dem, GOP senators slam potential for boycott of U.S. businesses

Ynet, News Agencies , 18:42 , 02.13.20