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Bereaved Palestinians urge ICC to advance war crimes probe

Mother of medic killed by stray Israeli bullet says hopes court 'reveals the truth behind the Israeli occupation' in investigation of Israel and of Palestinian militants, including Hamas

Reuters , 20:48 , 03.04.21

Israel, Austria and Denmark set up vaccine alliance, Netanyahu says

Leaders announce they would establish a joint research fund and invest in the establishment of vaccine production plants; Austrian chancellor says 'world is looking at Israel with admiration'

Reuters, Itamar Eichner , 19:05 , 03.04.21

Netanyahu calls ICC war-crimes decision 'outrageous', vows to fight it everywhere

Speaking to FOX News, PM echoes previous statements following announcement by the Hague it will formally investigate alleged war crimes perpetrated by Israel in the Palestinian territories

Reuters, Ynet , 16:56 , 03.04.21

Outgoing Mossad No. 2 slams Israel's handling of virus, Iran

Deputy chief of the intelligence service, who announced his resignation last month, tells Yedioth Ahronoth that Jerusalem's attempts to torpedo Iran nuclear deal only benefitted Tehran; calls PM's coronavirus management 'botched'

Nadav Eyal , 15:19 , 03.04.21

Netanyahu bets all on vaccine success to secure election win

In-depth: Political experts say Israel's longest serving leader has pinned all his election hopes on COVID vaccines, which he made front and center of his campaign; but, with unemployment at 18% and rivals breathing down his neck, will that be enough?

Reuters , 14:12 , 03.04.21

Unusual springtime hail storm colors Israel's south white

Heavy rain and hail flooded some streets in the city of Ashkelon, later covering them in a thick layer of ice; Mount Hermon opens for visitors after snow fell on Israel's only ski resort; next week small heatwave set to hit the country

Danny Rup , 13:24 , 03.04.21

Israel sees less than 700 serious virus patients for first time in months

Health Ministry adds that 50.1% of new cases diagnosed on Wednesday are among teenagers and children, while only 5.4% among the over 60s; IDF virus taskforce warns flights renewal will lead to arrival of new COVID variants

Ynet , 11:44 , 03.04.21

Israel says almost half of its virus infections in education system

New data appears in the report submitted by the government to the High Court after a group of parents launch a lawsuit, demanding children in grades 7-10 be allowed to return to frontal studies immedietely

Tamar Trabelsi Hadad , 10:59 , 03.04.21

Denmark urged not to cooperate with Israel's 'vaccine apartheid'

Ahead of Austrian and Danish leaders' visit to Israel to formulate vaccine alliance, officials in Denmark slam Israel's alleged refusal to vaccinate the public in the West Bank, Gaza; 'Apartheid and global solidarity should not go hand in hand,' says one lawmaker

Itamar Eichner , 09:27 , 03.04.21

U.S. says firmly opposed to ICC probe of alleged Israeli war crimes

State Department says U.S. 'will continue to uphold strong commitment to Israel and its security, including by opposing actions that seek to target Israel unfairly,' holds view that ICC 'has no jurisdiction over this matter'

Itamar Eichner, News Agencies , 23:23 , 03.03.21

Settlement to open vaccination spot for Palestinian workers

Ariel mayor says Health Ministry approved the move to administer vaccines to West Bank laborers, warns that those who have not been vaccinated would not be allowed into the community

TPS , 22:57 , 03.03.21

Netanyahu: ICC war crimes decision is 'hypocrisy and anti-Semitism'

PM says Hague has decided that 'heroic and moral soldiers who fight against cruelest terrorists are actually war criminals,' accuses court 'set up to prevent recurrence of Nazi atrocities' against Jews of 'turning against state of Jewish people'

Ynet , 17:45 , 03.03.21

PA welcomes 'long awaited' ICC war crimes probe

Palestinian Authority, which had been pushing for investigation for years, says decision 'serves Palestine's tireless pursuit of justice and accountability'; Hamas urges Bensouda to 'resist any pressure,' says group 'totally certain' its own actions are legal

Ynet, News Agencies , 16:46 , 03.03.21

ICC prosecutor to open formal probe into war crimes in West Bank, Gaza

Fatou Bensouda, who leaves office in June, says probe will be conducted 'independently, impartially and objectively, without fear or favor'; move comes after 2019 Hague ruling that International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem

Ynet, News Agencies , 16:18 , 03.03.21

Palestinian Authority faces criticism over vaccine rollout

Human rights' groups call on the Palestinian government to explain the criteria used for distributing the vaccines, which so far have been given to senior PLO staff, security members and even soccer players instead of health professionals

Associated Press , 15:02 , 03.03.21

Deputy health minister says reopening of restaurants 'not done deal'

Yoav Kisch tells Ynet if the basic reproduction number exceeds 1, the Health Ministry will back halting the third stage of the lockdown exit plan scheduled for Sunday; grades 7-11 will return to school as planned regardless of other delays

Alexandra Lukash, Adir Yanko , 13:36 , 03.03.21

Israel sees spike in infection spread, drop in contagion rate

While Health Ministry reports the infection rate is now the lowest it's been since December, the IDF virus taskforce says the basic reproduction number, R, is now at worrying 1; half of newly diagnosed are under the age of 19

Ynet , 11:06 , 03.03.21

Israeli-owned cargo ship back at sea after suspected Iran attack

Satellite-tracking data shows Bahamian-flagged MV Helios Ray was sailing along the Omani coast toward the Arabian Sea, days after a mysterious blast punched 2 holes in the vessel's port side and 2 on its starboard side

Associated Press , 08:30 , 03.03.21

A year in, coronavirus rages in vaccine-needy West Bank

While Israel launched one of the world's most successful vaccination campaigns, the Palestinian Authority has acquired only a few thousand doses, some from Israel, not even enough for front-line health workers

Associated Press , 21:08 , 03.02.21

Virus cabinet scraps special permits for returning Israelis

Decision will increase daily number of arriving travelers from 200 to 3,000 while those who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 abroad will be exempt from self-isolating

Itamar Eichner, Adir Yanko , 20:42 , 03.02.21

Israel moving to protect hundreds of personnel against ICC probe

Gantz says Israel will protect all citizens who might be subjected to arrest due to the expected probe by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction Israel rejects, into alleged war crimes

Reuters , 19:12 , 03.02.21

Israel, U.S. reach behind-the-scenes agreement on Iran, FM says

Top diplomat notes good relations with Biden administration, says both nations would discuss return to nuclear deal that would prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons

Itamar Eichner , 18:52 , 03.02.21

Defense chief sees 'special security arrangement' with Gulf allies

Gantz says Jerusalem was pursuing security ties with Gulf Arab countries who share common concern about Iranian threat, downplaying reports of a potential defense pact

Reuters , 17:15 , 03.02.21

Attorney general slams Netanyahu’s vaccine diplomacy

After Israel reportedly sends thousands of vaccine doses to Honduras and the Czech Republic, Mandelblit says PM cannot single-handedly choose to share Israel’s stockpile and must consult ministers first

Associated Press , 16:47 , 03.02.21

European lawmakers urge action against Israel's 'de-facto annexation' of West Bank

Letter signed by 400 European politicians says Biden administration 'presents a chance to correct course' in Middle East diplomacy, calls on multi-national cooperation to 'prevent unilateral action undermining possibility of peace'

AFP , 12:31 , 03.02.21

Coronavirus cabinet to mull lifting some restrictions on entry to country

Arrivals to be asked for proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID or a negative coronavirus test done no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in the country; Israelis to be given option to quarantine in hotel or be monitored electronically

Ynet , 09:16 , 03.02.21

Ministers approve reopening of event halls, restaurants starting next week

Eateries will be able to all serve patrons outdoors, Green Pass holders indoors; grade 7–10 students to return to in-person schooling; hotels to resume full operations, including dining areas

Ynet , 22:09 , 03.01.21

Israel awards medal of honor to soldiers who fought in South Lebanon

Ministers unanimously approve recommendation to recognize IDF's period in the security zone as a military campaign; Gantz says award shows state's appreciation of its soldiers and their dedication to protect the nation

Liran Friedmann , 20:06 , 03.01.21

Widow of spy Eli Cohen appeals to Russians to recover his remains

Nadia Cohen says she hopes reports of ongoing searches are credible and that her husband will be buried in Israel. says that recently released footage of late spy 'shows a trapped, broken Eli'

Alexandra Lukash , 19:27 , 03.01.21

Netanyahu, Edelstein agree grades 7–10 to return to school next week

Going against education minister's previous remarks, relaunch of in-person learning reportedly pushed back without him knowing due to resurgence of infection rates

Itamar Eichner, Tamar Trabelsi Haddad , 17:59 , 03.01.21

Ashkenazi greets first UAE envoy to Israel in 'historic day for Mideast'

Ambassador Mohammad Mahmoud Al Khajah lands in Israel 5 months after 2 nations signed a normalization agreement; FM says opening of UAE Embassy in Israel 'crucial' step in promoting peace in the region

Itamar Eichner , 13:58 , 03.01.21

Court orders government to limit use of Shin Beit tracking of virus carriers

Seven-judge panel rules the continued use of security tools on civilians threatens the democratic fabric of life in Israel, reveals the agency's capabilities to the country's enemies and should be used only in exceptional cases

Yael Friedson , 13:12 , 03.01.21

Iran denies Netanyahu's accusations it was behind blast on Israeli-owned ship

Iranian Foreign Ministry says security of Persian Gulf is 'extremely important to Iran; PM earlier accused Tehran of carrying out the explosion, which left holes above the waterline in both sides of the hull of the MV Helio carrier

Associated Press , 10:08 , 03.01.21

Syria reports Israeli missile attack near capital, Damascus

Syrian state TV says most of the missiles that originated from the Golan Heights were shot down by army's air defenses; there were no reports on casualties, while Israel declined to comment

Associated Press , 23:16 , 02.28.21

Pompeo claims 'many' in Saudi want normalization with Israel

Speaking in a video message to the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement, Trump's top diplomat says that Abraham Accords were only possible after the U.S. killing of Iranian general Soleimani

AFP , 22:05 , 02.28.21

Netanyahu says Israel to extend school year until end of July

Despite outline yet to be fully formulated, PM and education minister hold press conference, saying bulk of extra schoolwork will focus on making up gaps in curriculum, while teachers will be fully compensated; Teachers' Union already issued objection

Haim Goldich, Tamar Trabelsi Hadad , 20:28 , 02.28.21

Thousands of Haredim crowd Jerusalem streets for last day of Purim

Officials from the Gur Hasidic movement, which staged a mass Tish, say all participants are either vaccinated or recovered from COVID; in another incident, intoxicated Haredi men attacked police officers, wounding one and causing damage

Kobi Nachshoni , 18:22 , 02.28.21

Sources: Israel to extend school year until end of July

PM expected to announce return of all classes within a week, special budget allocated to ensure adherence to virus guidelines; but local authorities head says ministers will only approve school openings in low-infection areas

Ynet , 17:30 , 02.28.21

Israel to vaccinate Palestinian laborers against COVID-19

COGAT says Israel to inoculate around 130,000 Palestinians with Moderna's vaccine during the campaign that will include pop-up clinics staffed by Israeli healthcare workers in several border crossings and industrial zones in the West Bank

Reuters, Elior Levy/Ynet , 17:18 , 02.28.21

Denied transport, Haredi Israelis walk to Jerusalem for Purim parties

Police continue to be on alert as illegal mass parties take place across capital, with many participants not wearing face masks or practicing social distancing, from hardline Mea She'arim quarter to trendy Nachlaot neighborhood

Gilad Cohen , 16:54 , 02.28.21

IDF soldier killed in accidental misfire has lungs donated to COVID patient

Transplant at Sheba Medical Center is first of its kind in Israel; recipient was one of five people whose lives were potentially saved by organs donated by 22-year-old Staff Sgt. Yonatan Granot, who was laid to rest Sunday

TPS, Ynet , 16:47 , 02.28.21

Jerusalem halts public, group transport in Purim party crackdown

Moves comes as outcry leads government to backtrack on decision to allow mass transit vehicles into capital, other mainly Haredi cities for Shushan Purim celebrations; police warn they will be issuing NIS 5,000 fines to violators

Gilad Cohen , 13:26 , 02.28.21

New UAE ambassador expected in Israel on Monday

Mohammad Mahmoud Al Khajah is expected to meet with Ashkenazi, Rivlin and Netanyahu, attend ceremony in Jerusalem to celebrate his arrival; appointment of Emirati royal seen as sign of great importance placed on relations

Itamar Eichner , 12:40 , 02.28.21

Gantz holds secret talks with Jordan's King Abdullah

Defense minister tells Blue & White supporters that Netanyahu is unwelcome in the kingdom, hampering advancement of bilateral ties; FM also reported to have held meetings with Jordanian counterpart in recent months

Itamar Eichner , 12:15 , 02.28.21

Austrian, Danish leaders heading to Israel to discuss vaccines

Sebastian Kurz says that the three nations will increase cooperation as new coronavirus mutations may require new inoculations; says aim must be to adapt existing vaccines and treatments or produce new ones as quickly as possible

i24NEWS , 11:43 , 02.28.21

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

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