jerusalempost--2020-08-28--Coronavirus in Israel: 20,055 active cases, death toll rises to 894

With just two days left until the start of the school year, the coronavirus cabinet is expected to meet on Sunday to vote on whether or not to implement Prof. Ronni Gamzu’s “traffic light” program.The plan includes limiting the opening and running of schools in red zones, as needed, and could alter the plans for schools to open in at least 20 cities come this Tuesday.Last week, Gamzu said there was a possibility that schools – or minimally grades 11 and 12 – located in red zones would not open until after the High Holy Days.On Saturday, during a visit to the Arab city of Tira, Gamzu informed officials that this week the town could be declared a red zone, together with about 20 other cities and towns – many of them Arab – unless there was a change in the infection rate.He said that the situation in Tira does not allow for the safe opening of schools and that his team would consider locking it down.Gamzu added that most of the infections in Tira – which on Saturday night had 503 sick people, 356 who were diagnosed with the virus in the last week – are because people do not follow Health Ministry directives. He said people are contracting the virus at weddings, that they do not stay in isolation when they are supposed to, and do not wear masks.“Those who violate quarantine and roam the streets are like criminals walking around with a gun and shooting at passersby,” said MK Ahmad Tibi, who accompanied Gamzu on the visit to Tira.The final vote on the traffic light plan has been delayed several times over the last three weeks. The plan centers on identifying communities as red, yellow/orange or green based on several factors, including the number of new infections in a recent period, the overall rate of infection and how many people test positive out of those who are screened for the virus.On Saturday night, the Health Ministry showed 21 red cities, including not only a number of Arab towns, but also several haredi (ultra-Orthodox) cities, such a Bnei Brak and Beitar Illit.The coronavirus cabinet meeting will take place against the backdrop of a week of tension over banning hassidim from traveling from Israel to Uman for Rosh Hashana.Traditionally, as many as 30,000 Israelis travel to the central Ukrainian city for the holiday. But this year, with infection rates high in both countries, the coronavirus commissioner cautioned against the pilgrimage, even writing a letter to Ukraine’s president asking him to ban these Jews from coming.President Volodymyr Zelensky later did decide to partially close the country’s borders through September 28. Hassidim who tried to enter the country just ahead of when the ban was supposed to start were left stranded at airports on Friday.Irina Rybnitskaya of the Rabbi Nachman Foundation said that hundreds had initially been stranded on Friday, although she later said some were being let in.“It seems they have begun to let them in. But not all of them,” Rybnitskaya told Reuters. There was no kosher food available where they were kept, she added.Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the border service, told Interfax Ukraine that dozens of hassidim had been stopped at airports this week as border guards could not confirm the purpose of their trip.“We do not make decisions on any discriminatory criteria. We make decisions that help protect the health of our citizens, regardless of their nationality, citizenship or religion,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Friday.Mikhail Tkach, executive director of the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, said the pilgrims had been warned in advance there could be problems on arrival.“I don’t know what they were counting on; it’s difficult to understand their logic,” Tkach said.Late Saturday, in an effort to solve the dispute over Uman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Likud Minister Ze'ev Elkin to coordinate the Uman issue. Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Gamzu were involved in the decision.THE QUESTION over travel to Uman led to an escalation between several haredi and other ministers and Gamzu. Last week, the commissioner even threatened to resign. However, he told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that, “I am a person who tries everything but quitting... I am determined. I have thick enough skin.”He said that if he quits, it means that “they made it really, really so, so unbearable.” After all, he added, “No one is standing in line to replace me. I’m doing the job.”Still, officials in the Health Ministry told KAN News that the cabinet meeting will be a “watershed” moment for the commissioner. If the cabinet does not approve his traffic signal plan, he may step down.Gamzu said after a coronavirus cabinet meeting held about 10 days ago that, “Cabinet ministers expressed overwhelming support for the outlines I presented to them and for avoiding lockdown.”At the same time, although Gamzu and haredi leaders have reportedly made progress on how synagogues will operate over the holidays, this question continues to be a point of contention. On Friday, Construction and Housing Minister Ya’acov Litzman threatened to leave the coalition if the government put the country under lockdown for the High Holy Days.Sources close to the situation, however, told Israeli media that the minister was only making such statements to satisfy his constituency and had no intention of leaving the prime minister, with whom he has excellent relations.Last week, Gamzu, Edelstein and ministers Litzman, Arye Deri and Izhar Shay met with ultra-Orthodox leaders and made what was described as “significant progress” toward a solution. Decisions have to be made about the number of people who can pray in each synagogue and whether services will be held inside, outside or both.It is unlikely that a decision about a full closure will be made until close to Rosh Hashana, which starts on September 18. The prime minister has said he would base such a decision on the morbidity rate.Last week, Gamzu said in an interview that a lockdown was “still on the table.” However, he added that a decision could not be made until at least September 10, when health officials could better gauge the impact of opening schools on the country’s infection rate.Another item meant to be discussed on Sunday is further opening the skies for Israelis, such as allowing them to travel to and return from Cyprus, Georgia, Hungary and Austria without entering isolation.Walla reported late Saturday that Israel is expected to declare the United Arab Emirates a “green state,” too, which would mean Israelis could travel there without entering quarantine on return, as well.The first commercial flight to the UAE is expected to take place on Monday.For the first time in a month, Israel passed 2,000 new daily cases.The Health Ministry reported Friday evening that 2,066 people were diagnosed with the novel virus the day before. Some 1,831 people were diagnosed on Friday and another 644 between midnight and press time on Saturday.There were 438 patients in serious condition, including 116 who were intubated, on Saturday night. Two people died on Saturday and several more on Friday, bringing the death toll to 906.Reuters contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-08-28--More than 1,000 protesters in Jerusalem call on Netanyahu to resign

By subscribing I accept the terms of use

More than 1,000 people gathered on Friday afternoon outside the Prime Minister's Office on Balfour Street in Jerusalem and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, according to Israeli media.Protesters have been gathering on Balfour Street on Friday afternoons on a weekly basis for several months, in what they call "welcoming the Sabbath" near the official residence.Protesters also called for Jerusalem District Police officer Superintendent Nisso Guetta's resignation due to his alleged involvement in a violent incident several days ago that included punching a protester.


jerusalempost--2020-08-28--Yankelevich talks to hate crime victim in Austria, expresses support

Diaspora Minister Omer Yankelevich said on Friday that she spoke to Elie Rosen, president of the small Jewish community in Granz, Austria, and expressed her sympathy and support after he was attacked last week.Rosen was attacked by a stranger with a baseball bat just outside the small Jewish community's synagogue in Granz last Saturday.Yankelevich said that Rosen was touched to know that the Israeli government is aware of the incident and cares about the small Jewish community in Austria.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Afghanistan flash floods kill 160, search for bodies continues

KABUL - Rescuers in Afghanistan continued to search amidst mud and rubble for missing people on Saturday after flash flooding this week killed around 160 people and washed away homes across the country , officials said .
Thirteen provinces , mostly in the country 's north , had been affected by floods , according to the Ministry for Disaster Management .
In Parwan , just north of the capital Kabul , 116 people had been killed and more than 120 injured , with 15 people still missing , national and local officials said .
`` Rescue teams are still in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies , '' said Wahida Shahkar , a spokeswoman for Parwan 's governor .
Flash flooding hit Parwan early on Wednesday , washing away homes and buildings .
Local police spokesman Salim Noori said that the community in the worst-affected areas were mostly farmers and informal workers who were already struggling financially and that police were appealing for donations of blood for the many injured .
The Ministry of Defence said that Afghan security forces were assisting in recovery efforts and distributing aid .
The forces have also been dealing with rising violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of peace talks in Doha hit delays .

KABUL - Rescuers in Afghanistan continued to search amidst mud and rubble for missing people on Saturday after flash flooding this week killed around 160 people and washed away homes across the country, officials said.
Thirteen provinces, mostly in the country's north, had been affected by floods, according to the Ministry for Disaster Management.
In Parwan, just north of the capital Kabul, 116 people had been killed and more than 120 injured, with 15 people still missing, national and local officials said.
"Rescue teams are still in the area and searching for the missing bodies," said Wahida Shahkar, a spokeswoman for Parwan's governor.
Flash flooding hit Parwan early on Wednesday, washing away homes and buildings. Local police spokesman Salim Noori said that the community in the worst-affected areas were mostly farmers and informal workers who were already struggling financially and that police were appealing for donations of blood for the many injured.
The Ministry of Defence said that Afghan security forces were assisting in recovery efforts and distributing aid. The forces have also been dealing with rising violence from the insurgent Taliban as the start of peace talks in Doha hit delays.
NATO said that its forces were also supporting the Afghan military and had flown food, water and blankets to the area earlier in the week.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Thousands protest in Mauritius over dead dolphins, demand resignations

Thousands of protesters demonstrated in the Mauritius capital Port Louis on Saturday to demand an investigation into an oil spill from a Japanese ship and the mysterious death of at least 40 dolphins that have been found near the site of the spill .
Environmentalists have called for an investigation into whether the dolphins died as a result of the spill caused when the bulk carrier , the MV Wakashio , struck a coral reef last month .
One protester held a banner with a dolphin covered in oil reading `` our lives matter '' and another held one calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flags were waved across the packed square of St Louis Cathedral .
`` We do not trust the government and the diluted information they 've been feeding us regarding the management and responses to the oil spill , '' Fabiola Monty , 33 a Mauritian environmental scientist , told Reuters from the square .
The government has said it will carry out autopsies on all the dead dolphins and has set up a commission to look into the oil spill .
Two investigations are being carried out : one by the police on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a senior Shipping Ministry official on what happened to the ship .
So far veterinarians have examined only two of the mammals ' carcasses , which bore signs of injury but no trace of oil in their bodies , according to preliminary autopsy results .
The autopsy on the first two was conducted by the government-run Albion Fisheries Research Center .
Autopsy results on 25 dolphins that washed ashore Wednesday and Thursday are expected in the coming days , according to Jasvin Sok Appadu from the Fisheries Ministry .

Thousands of protesters demonstrated in the Mauritius capital Port Louis on Saturday to demand an investigation into an oil spill from a Japanese ship and the mysterious death of at least 40 dolphins that have been found near the site of the spill.
Environmentalists have called for an investigation into whether the dolphins died as a result of the spill caused when the bulk carrier, the MV Wakashio, struck a coral reef last month.
One protester held a banner with a dolphin covered in oil reading "our lives matter" and another held one calling for the government to resign. Mauritian flags were waved across the packed square of St Louis Cathedral.
"We do not trust the government and the diluted information they've been feeding us regarding the management and responses to the oil spill," Fabiola Monty, 33 a Mauritian environmental scientist, told Reuters from the square.
The government has said it will carry out autopsies on all the dead dolphins and has set up a commission to look into the oil spill. Two investigations are being carried out: one by the police on the crew's responsibilities and one by a senior Shipping Ministry official on what happened to the ship.
So far veterinarians have examined only two of the mammals' carcasses, which bore signs of injury but no trace of oil in their bodies, according to preliminary autopsy results.
The autopsy on the first two was conducted by the government-run Albion Fisheries Research Center.
Autopsy results on 25 dolphins that washed ashore Wednesday and Thursday are expected in the coming days, according to Jasvin Sok Appadu from the Fisheries Ministry.
Local environmental group Eco-Sud, which took part in Saturday's protest, said in a statement on Friday that representatives from civil society should be present during the autopsies and called for a second opinion from independent specialists.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--France's Macron expressed concerns about human rights to China's Wang Yi

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed strong concerns about the situation in Hong Kong and human rights for China 's Muslim @ @ @ @ @ on Friday with the Chinese government 's top diplomat , State Councillor Wang Yi , @ @ @ @ @ months of protests , a new security law was introduced in Hong Kong that has @ @ @ @ @ West for jeopardising basic rights and freedoms the special administrative region was promised when it @ @ @ @ @ 1997 .

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed strong concerns about the situation in Hong Kong and human rights for China's Muslim Uighur minority during a meeting on Friday with the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, his office said.
Following months of protests, a new security law was introduced in Hong Kong that has drawn wide criticism in the West for jeopardising basic rights and freedoms the special administrative region was promised when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
The United Nations estimates that more than a million Muslim Uighurs have been detained in camps in the Xinjiang region. China denies mistreatment and says the camps provide vocational training and are needed to fight extremism.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--70-year-old man drowns at beach in Caesarea

A 70-year-old man drowned at a beach in Caesarea early Saturday , according to Magen David Adom ( MDA ) @ @ @ @ @ resuscitate the man to no avail , later pronouncing his death at the scene .
@ @ @ @ @ and paramedic Ben Kochavi said , `` When we arrived at the beach , we @ @ @ @ @ a 70-year-old man near the waterline , who were unfortunately unsuccessful . ''

A 70-year-old man drowned at a beach in Caesarea early Saturday, according to Magen David Adom (MDA).
MDA paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man to no avail, later pronouncing his death at the scene.
Senior MDA medic Anat Tzipkin and paramedic Ben Kochavi said, "When we arrived at the beach, we saw lifeguards perform CPR on a 70-year-old man near the waterline, who were unfortunately unsuccessful."


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Astros, A's walk off field in protest of Jacob Blake shooting

The Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros were scheduled to play the opening game of a three-game series Friday night in Houston, but the game was postponed when both teams walked off the field before the first pitch.The teams lined the first- and third-base lines, as if it were Opening Day, with all the players wearing No. 42 like they do on Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball. As silence filled the air in Minute Maid Park, the teams put No. 42 jerseys in the batters' boxes, and laid a "Black Lives Matter" T-shirt on home plate.After a moment of silence, the two teams acknowledged each other, then walked off the field into their dugouts and on into the clubhouses. No immediate date for the makeup was announced.A's starting pitcher Chris Bassitt warmed up in the bullpen prior to the game, but Astros pitcher Lance McCullers did not.Since Wednesday, when the Milwaukee Bucks chose not to play in an NBA playoff game against the Orlando Magic as a response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis., postponements have been blossomed throughout the NBA, WNBA, MLS, MLB and the NHL.The game will be made up on Saturday as the A's and Astros will now play a doubleheader. First pitch of Game 1 is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Belarus revokes accreditations of foreign journalists covering protests

Belarus has revoked the accreditations of some journalists working for foreign media and covering anti-government protests that erupted after a disputed presidential election, news organizations and a journalist association said on Saturday.The accreditations, issued by the Foreign Ministry, were revoked for 17 journalists including a video journalist and a photographer from Reuters, two from the BBC and four from Radio Liberty, the Belarusian Association of Journalists said.Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anatoly Glaz could not be reached for comment.A Reuters spokesperson said in a statement that Reuters journalists had been stripped of their accreditation, adding "We are not aware of any acts by our Belarus journalists that might warrant loss of accreditation.""We hope the authorities will reinstate their credentials to ensure our journalists can continue to deliver independent, unbiased news in the public interest," the spokesperson said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Trump says he will likely visit Kenosha, Wisconsin, following unrest

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday will visit Kenosha, Wisconsin, the city that has seen unrest since a white police officer shot a Black man in the back, a White House official told reporters on Saturday.Trump will meet law enforcement officials and assess damage in the city where the officer shot Jacob Blake, who is paralyzed from the waist down and remains in hospital, the official said. A 17-year-old boy is being held by authorities in Kenosha on suspicion of shooting three people who were protesting the shooting of Blake. Two of those people died.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--36 new coronavirus cases in Gaza, 257 total infections

Some 145 of the currently active cases are outside of quarantine centers while 37 are within quarantine centers .
About @ @ @ @ @ and isolation centers .

Some 145 of the currently active cases are outside of quarantine centers while 37 are within quarantine centers. About 2,370 people are in quarantine and isolation centers.
Some 36 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the Gaza Strip on Saturday evening, bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic to 257.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Dozens of Breslov Haredi Jews protest in Jerusalem

Dozens of Breslov Hassidic protesters demonstrated on Saturday night against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and coronavirus Czar Ronni Gamzu , @ @ @ @ @ allow them to fly to Uman , according to Ynet .
The protesters reportedly headed @ @ @ @ @ on Balfor Street in Jerusalem .

Dozens of Breslov Hassidic protesters demonstrated on Saturday night against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and coronavirus Czar Ronni Gamzu, demanding a solution that would allow them to fly to Uman, according to Ynet.
The protesters reportedly headed to Netanyahu's official residence on Balfor Street in Jerusalem.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--IDF thwarts attempted infiltration along Lebanon-Israel border

The suspect was arrested immediately after crossing the border and was returned to Lebanon after being questioned .

The suspect was arrested immediately after crossing the border and was returned to Lebanon after being questioned.
The IDF arrested a suspect who attempted to infiltrate into Israel from Lebanon on Saturday evening, according to the IDF Spokespersons Unit.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Rocket falls inside Baghdad's Green Zone, no casualties

A Katyusha rocket landed in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, causing damage to an empty building and no casualties, Iraqi police sources said on Saturday.Sirens blasted from the US embassy inside the zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, and helicopters were hovering above, the sources said. It was the second such attack this week after three rockets landed in the Green Zone on Thursday, also causing no casualties.Washington blames such attacks on Iranian-backed militia groups. Iran has not directly commented on the incidents but little-known groups believed to be connected to Iran-aligned militias have claimed some attacks. Iraq, often the scene of spillover violence from US-Iran tensions, seeks to avoid being drawn into any regional conflagration.The Middle East came close to a full conflict in January after a US drone strike killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad airport. Iran-aligned militias have sworn to avenge their deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--254 IDF servicemembers diagnosed with coronavirus

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit reported on Saturday evening that 254 IDF servicemembers and civilian employees have been diagnosed with coronavirus. All of them are reported to be in light condition.Additionally, as of Thursday, 3,433 servicemembers are in home isolation


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Norway's Alexander Kristoff  wins Tour de France first stage

Norway's Alexander Kristoff won the opening stage of the Tour de France in slippery conditions Saturday in Nice.Kristoff outsprinted Danish world champion Mads Pedersen at the finish of the 156-kilometer (97-mile) stage. Cees Bol of the Netherlands was third.It was the fourth career stage win for the 33-year-old Kristoff.France's Thibaut Pinot was involved in a crash with three kilometers to go. Other riders involved in wrecks in the rainy weather included pre-stage favorites Sam Bennett of Belgium, Giacamo Nizzolo of Italy and Australia's Caleb Ewan.Sunday's Stage 2 is a 186-kilometer (116-mile) trek from Nice Haut Pays to Nice.The 23-day, 21-stage cycling event was originally scheduled to begin June 27 but was delayed due to health and safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. The competition concludes on Sept. 20 in Paris.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Women march through Belarusian capital calling for Lukashenko to resign

President Alexander Lukashenko denies opposition accusations that he rigged the August 9 election to prolong his 26-year rule .
He @ @ @ @ @ by the West , and accuses NATO of massing forces on Belarusian frontiers , which @ @ @ @ @ women on Saturday staged what they called a march of solidarity , calling on Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ down .
`` This is our city '' and `` you better protect us , @ @ @ @ @ many of them sporting national dress .

Several thousand women marched in the capital of Belarus on Saturday waving flags, flowers and balloons in the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have gripped the country since a disputed presidential election this month.
President Alexander Lukashenko denies opposition accusations that he rigged the August 9 election to prolong his 26-year rule. He says the protesters are funded by the West, and accuses NATO of massing forces on Belarusian frontiers, which the alliance denies.
The women on Saturday staged what they called a march of solidarity, calling on Lukashenko and his government to step down.
"This is our city" and "you better protect us," chanted the crowd, many of them sporting national dress.
Streets along the protest route were cordoned off by police and security troops. Rallies on a smaller scale took place in other cities and towns.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Ashkenazi: UAE cancelling economic boycott of Israel is an important step

Sign up for The Jerusalem Post Premium Plus for just $5
Upgrade your reading experience with an ad-free environment and exclusive content


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Israel to declare UAE a 'green state' - report

Israel is expected to declare the Untied Arab Emirates a `` green state , '' meaning that Israelis who return @ @ @ @ @ need to enter home isolation , according to Walla !
News .
On Monday , @ @ @ @ @ Meir Ben Shabbat , Head of the National Security Council , will leave for the @ @

Israel is expected to declare the Untied Arab Emirates a "green state," meaning that Israelis who return from the country will not need to enter home isolation, according to Walla! News.
On Monday, an Israeli delegation led by Meir Ben Shabbat, Head of the National Security Council, will leave for the UAE.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Belarus revokes licenses of foreign media journalists covering protests

The accreditations , issued by the Foreign Ministry , were revoked for 17 journalists including a video journalist and a photographer from Reuters , two from the BBC and four from Radio Liberty , the Belarusian Association of Journalists said .
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anatoly Glaz could not be reached for comment .
A Reuters spokesperson said in a statement that Reuters journalists had been stripped of their accreditation , adding `` We are not aware of any acts by our Belarus journalists that might warrant loss of accreditation . ''
`` We hope the authorities will reinstate their credentials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver independent , unbiased news in the public interest , '' the spokesperson said .
Radio Liberty in a report on its website cited the Foreign Ministry as saying the decision to revoke the accreditations was taken for security reasons .
The ministry declined to say how many journalists had lost their accreditation , Radio Liberty said .
In comments at a government meeting on July 23 , President Alexander Lukashenko threatened to expel foreign journalists , accusing them of inciting protests against him before the Aug. 9 election .
Lukashenko denies opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prolong his 26-year rule .
Thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand he step down .
The US Embassy in Minsk issued a statement on Saturday that did not refer specifically to the revocation of accreditations , but said , `` We are concerned by the continued targeting of journalists , the blocking of independent media and opposition websites '' as well as intermittent internet blackouts and detentions of citizens exercising their rights of free assembly and speech .
The embassy could not be reached for further comment .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists working for the BBC Russian service had had their accreditations revoked , with immediate effect , and called on the authorities to reverse the decision .
`` We condemn in the strongest possible terms this stifling of independent journalism , '' the BBC said .

Belarus has revoked the accreditations of some journalists working for foreign media and covering anti-government protests that erupted after a disputed presidential election, news organizations and a journalist association said on Saturday.
The accreditations, issued by the Foreign Ministry, were revoked for 17 journalists including a video journalist and a photographer from Reuters, two from the BBC and four from Radio Liberty, the Belarusian Association of Journalists said.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anatoly Glaz could not be reached for comment.
A Reuters spokesperson said in a statement that Reuters journalists had been stripped of their accreditation, adding "We are not aware of any acts by our Belarus journalists that might warrant loss of accreditation."
"We hope the authorities will reinstate their credentials to ensure our journalists can continue to deliver independent, unbiased news in the public interest," the spokesperson said.
Radio Liberty in a report on its website cited the Foreign Ministry as saying the decision to revoke the accreditations was taken for security reasons. The ministry declined to say how many journalists had lost their accreditation, Radio Liberty said.
In comments at a government meeting on July 23, President Alexander Lukashenko threatened to expel foreign journalists, accusing them of inciting protests against him before the Aug. 9 election.
Lukashenko denies opposition accusations that he rigged the election to prolong his 26-year rule. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand he step down. The US Embassy in Minsk issued a statement on Saturday that did not refer specifically to the revocation of accreditations, but said, "We are concerned by the continued targeting of journalists, the blocking of independent media and opposition websites" as well as intermittent internet blackouts and detentions of citizens exercising their rights of free assembly and speech.
The embassy could not be reached for further comment.
The BBC said in a statement that two journalists working for the BBC Russian service had had their accreditations revoked, with immediate effect, and called on the authorities to reverse the decision.
"We condemn in the strongest possible terms this stifling of independent journalism," the BBC said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Qatari envoy discussed options for reducing Gaza-Israel tensions - report

The Qatari envoy discussed options for quelling the hostilities with Gaza with representatives from the District Coordination and Liaison 's @ @ @ @ @ the Shin Bet and IDF 's Southern Command , according to Walla !
News .
@ @ @ @ @ 's DCL headquarters near Gaza .

The Qatari envoy discussed options for quelling the hostilities with Gaza with representatives from the District Coordination and Liaison's Office (DCL), the Shin Bet and IDF's Southern Command, according to Walla! News.
The parties met at IDF's DCL headquarters near Gaza.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Czech Senate speaker leaves for Taiwan visit, angering China

Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil said his visit would promote business links with Taiwan , and that the Czech Republic would @ @ @ @ @ objections .
`` You can not accept being someone 's servant , because if you @ @ @ @ @ obey once , it 's assumed that you obey every time , '' Vystrcil told @ @ @ @ @ .
Vystrcil said his visit underscored the `` values-based '' foreign policy put in place @ @ @ @ @ , an anti-communist dissident and personal friend of the exiled Tibetan leader , the Dalai @ @ @ @ @ due to meet President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials in Taiwan , where strict @ @ @ @ @ during the meetings .
For Taiwan , the Czech visit is a welcome sign of @ @ @ @ @ China .
`` Taiwan and the Czech Republic both share the universal values of democracy @ @ @ @ @ , '' Johnson Chiang , head of the European Affairs Office at Taiwan 's Foreign @ @ @ @ @ this week .

The head of the Czech Senate traveled to Taiwan on Saturday for a rare trip by a senior foreign official that has angered China, which considers the island a breakaway province ineligible for state-to-state relations.
Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil said his visit would promote business links with Taiwan, and that the Czech Republic would not bow to Beijing's objections.
"You cannot accept being someone's servant, because if you do, then when you obey once, it's assumed that you obey every time," Vystrcil told Reuters ahead of the trip.
Vystrcil said his visit underscored the "values-based" foreign policy put in place by late President Vaclav Havel, an anti-communist dissident and personal friend of the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama.
The delegation is due to meet President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials in Taiwan, where strict coronavirus measures will be observed during the meetings.
For Taiwan, the Czech visit is a welcome sign of support amid growing tensions with China.
"Taiwan and the Czech Republic both share the universal values of democracy, freedom and human rights," Johnson Chiang, head of the European Affairs Office at Taiwan's Foreign Ministry's, told reporters this week.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Incendiary balloons cause 23 fires in southern Israel

Incendiary balloons sparked twenty-three fires in the Hof Ashkelon and Eshekol regional councils , both of which are in southern @ @ @ @ @ by JNF , Israel National Park Authority , IDF and volunteers worked together to put @ @ @ @ @ the fires were small and caused minimal damage .

Incendiary balloons sparked twenty-three fires in the Hof Ashkelon and Eshekol regional councils, both of which are in southern Israel.
Local firefighters aided by JNF, Israel National Park Authority, IDF and volunteers worked together to put them out. Local firefighters aided by JNF, Israel National Park Authority, IDF and volunteers worked together to put them out.
Most of the fires were small and caused minimal damage.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Azerbaijan accuses Moscow of arming Armenia since July clashes

More than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers were killed in July at the border between the two , which @ @ @ @ @ over Azerbaijan 's breakaway , mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Russia has called @ @ @ @ @ sensitive matter .
Hikmet Hajiyev , a senior adviser to Azerbaijan 's President Ilham Aliyev @ @ @ @ @ `` intensively arming Armenia '' right after the July conflict , with Russian Il-76 strategic @ @ @ @ @ July 17 .
The Russian foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a Reuters request @ @ @ @ @ a military base in Armenia and considers it to be a strategic partner in the @ @ @ @ @ it with weapons .
Russia told Azerbaijan that those Il-76 planes were carrying building materials @ @ @ @ @ that Baku was not satisfied with this answer .
`` Construction materials are usually not @ @ @ @ @ are other tools for that , '' Hajiyev said .

An Azeri presidential aide said on Saturday that Russia has been supplying Armenia with weapons since a clash between the two former Soviet republics in July.
More than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers were killed in July at the border between the two, which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan's breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia has called the conflict is a highly sensitive matter. Hikmet Hajiyev, a senior adviser to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, said Russia has been "intensively arming Armenia" right after the July conflict, with Russian Il-76 strategic airlifters flying towards Armenia after July 17.
The Russian foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.
Russia has a military base in Armenia and considers it to be a strategic partner in the South Caucasus region and supplies it with weapons.
Russia told Azerbaijan that those Il-76 planes were carrying building materials, Hajiyev said, adding that Baku was not satisfied with this answer.
"Construction materials are usually not supplied in airplanes, there are other tools for that," Hajiyev said.
"Based on observations we also have information that arms are being shipped to the Syrian territory via the Armenia territory," he added.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--El Al requests permission to fly through Saudi airspace - report

El Al requested permission from Saudi Arabia 's Civil Aviation Authority to fly through the country 's airspace ahead of @ @ @ @ @ the UAE , which is scheduled for Monday , according to Ynet .
Following the @ @ @ @ @ and Israel , El Al was chosen to carry out the first commercial flight from @ @ @ @ @ The request was passed on to the Saudis via officials from the National Security Council @ @ @ @ @ reported .
At press time , Saudi authorities have yet to reply to the Israeli @ @

El Al requested permission from Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority to fly through the country's airspace ahead of its first commercial flight to the UAE, which is scheduled for Monday, according to Ynet.
Following the historic treaty between the UAE and Israel, El Al was chosen to carry out the first commercial flight from Israel to the UAE.
The request was passed on to the Saudis via officials from the National Security Council and other mediators, Ynet reported. At press time, Saudi authorities have yet to reply to the Israeli request.


jerusalempost--2020-08-29--Israel Nature and Park Authority reports 6% rise in visitors numbers

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , during July and August , the number of visitors in Israel 's national parks @ @ @ @ @ in comparison to the same period last year , according to Ynet .
Last summer @ @ @ @ @ 1,422,211 , and this year the number is 1,509,974 .

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, during July and August, the number of visitors in Israel's national parks has risen by 6% in comparison to the same period last year, according to Ynet.
Last summer the number of visitors was 1,422,211, and this year the number is 1,509,974.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Gantz to Gamzu: Blue and White ministers will support traffic light plan

Regarding the issue over whether hassidim would be allowed to fly to Uman , Ukraine , ahead of the High @ @ @ @ @ that , `` The Defense Ministry will be prepared to deal with returnees through hotels @ @ @ @ @ accordance with the agreed-upon outline ...
This is to reduce the potential for further infection @ @ @ @ @ discussed the entry into the first phase of epidemiological investigations , expanding involvement in the @ @ @ @ @ the issue of postponing the start of the school year in red zones .
Gantz @ @ @ @ @ the meeting , `` The entire defense system will continue to make most of its @ @ @ @ @ and his staff in order to strengthen the fight against coronavirus while emphasizing the unique @ @ @ @ @ Gamzu will continue to receive all the organizational and political resources required to fulfill his @ @ @

The coronavirus cabinet on Sunday unanimously approved the “traffic-light” program presented by coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu. The plan will go into effect Sunday, September 6. The cabinet also added a number of new countries to the list of green states from which Israelis can return without entering isolation and rolled out an outline for how to handle prayer services during the Hebrew months of Elul and Tishrei.Gamzu spoke after the cabinet meeting and said a color would soon be administered to every one of the country’s 250 cities.“Each resident should know the color of his or her city,” Gamzu said. “The fight against coronavirus will move from Jerusalem to the municipal authorities.”The final vote on the traffic-light plan had been delayed several times over the last three weeks. But shortly before the vote, Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Interior Minister Arye Deri told Gamzu they would support his plan.“We will support the approval of the traffic-light plan that was built in coordination with the Defense Ministry... Professionals will determine the way [to beat coronavirus ]. The only consideration is public health,” Gantz said following a meeting with Gamzu.The plan centers on identifying communities as red, orange, yellow or green based on several factors, including the number and rate of increase of new weekly patients per 10,000 in each authority, the overall rate of infection and how many people test positive out of those who are screened for the virus.Cities that might be labeled red zones were not discussed at the meeting to avoid a political debate, but a short list of red zones is listed daily on the Health Ministry website.On Sunday, they included Bnei Brak, Tira, Kafr Kassem, Umm el-Fahm, Daliat al-Carmel, Lakiya, Ma’aleh Iron, Yakir, Tifrah, Bukata and Yad Binyamin.There are several differences between the ways that gatherings and other activities will be handled in the different color zones. For example, in red zones, only 10 people will be able to gather indoors and 20 outside; in orange zones, those numbers rise to up to 25 and 50 with capsules of 20 people, respectively. In yellow zones, there could be up to 50 inside and 100 outside in capsules of 20. With permission from local authorities, events could have up to 500 people. In green zones, 100 inside and 250 outside, respectively. Here too, with permission, green zone events could have 500 or more attendees.The traffic-light plan differentiates between certain types of activities, including the education system, public transportation, workplaces, events, nature parks, malls and museums.After the meeting, Gamzu explained the following: “The red and orange cities will get restrictions – lots of restrictions. Probably the education system will be closed, there will be restrictions on businesses, restrictions on commercial activity and restrictions on movement, and maybe even lockdown.”During the meeting, it was reported that the ministers opposed Gamzu on one point: opening schools in red zones on Tuesday.Gamzu had recommended that schools in these zones should wait to open until after the High Holy Days and Sukkot.During the meeting, it was leaked that the ministers had voted in favor of opening all schools, even in red zones. However, shortly after the conclusion of the cabinet, Gamzu put out a statement that, “a decision has not yet been reached to open the school year in red cities.”He said his stance remains unequivocally unchanged.“The opening of the school year in red cities will bring about a spike in coronavirus cases in those cities and in other cities,” he said.Furthermore, the cabinet rolled out an initial outline for prayer services during the High Holy Days in all zones.Prayer services can be held outside in large groups of up to 250 people who are divided into capsules of 20 people. Each capsule would need to be clearly marked and individuals should sit two meters apart unless they are from the same nuclear family.Prayers could be held inside, as well, but only in facilities that are minimally 40-square-meters large and with people being able to stay two meters apart. Bigger facilities can hold more prayer goers – up to 1,000 – and so long as there is not more than one person for every four square meters.The vote on the traffic-light program was considered a “watershed” moment for Gamzu. He had suggested that if he was not given the “tools” to manage the pandemic, he might step down.The cabinet also approved the opening of the cultural halls to larger audiences starting this coming Sunday, under Purple Ribbon guidelines.Finally, the coronavirus cabinet added nine new countries to its list of states to which Israelis can travel and return without entering quarantine. The new states are Australia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Taiwan, Norway, Singapore, Portugal and Thailand.Recall, Israelis can already return from the following green states without isolation: Austria, Italy, Estonia, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Georgia, Germany, Denmark, Hong Kong, Hungary, Greece, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Slovenia, Finland, Canada, Cyprus, Croatia and Rwanda.There were 897 people diagnosed with coronavirus on Saturday, the Health Ministry reported, plus another 429 between midnight and press time on Sunday.The number of serious patients was rising and reached 444 Sunday evening, among them 127 who are intubated. The death toll rose to 919, with eight people dying from coronavirus between midnight and press time.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Putin and Lukashenko plan to meet in Moscow

By subscribing I accept the terms of use

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko have agreed to meet in Moscow in the next few weeks, the Kremlin said on Sunday.The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations in a phone call.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Coronavirus in Israel: 898 new cases, death toll rises to 909

The alternate prime minister met with the coronavirus commissioner on Sunday and said that , `` We will support the approval of the traffic light plan that was built in coordination with the Defense Ministry ...
Professionals will determine the way [ to beat coronavirus ] .
The only consideration is public health . ''
Gantz added that the entire security apparatus will work to give Gamzu the tools he needs to fulfill his role .
On Sunday evening , the A All Blue and White ministers that sit on the coronavirus cabinet will support Prof. Ronni Gamzu 's `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement released by Defense Minister Benny Gantz.The alternate prime minister met with the coronavirus commissioner on Sunday and said that , `` We will support the approval of the traffic light plan that was built in coordination with the Defense Ministry ...
Professionals will determine the way [ to beat coronavirus ] .
The only consideration is public health .
`` Gantz added that the entire security apparatus will work to give Gamzu the tools he needs to fulfill his role.On Sunday evening , the coronavirus cabinet is set to meet about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic light plan has been delayed several times over the last three weeks .
copy of the plan was released in the late morning by N12 .
The plan centers on identifying communities as red , yellow/orange or green based on several factors , including the number of new infections in a recent period , the overall rate of infection and how many people test positive out of those who are screened for the virus .
“ The model calls for “ adopting a policy of differential treatment for the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of local authorities in the country , according to their morbidity , ” the document explains .
Specifically , each local authority would be ranked on a scale between 0 and 10 , with 10 being the highest level of morbidity .
The score would be calculated based on both the number and the rate of increase of new weekly patients per 10,000 in each authority .
Those cities with a score of 7.5 or higher will be deemed red .
On Sunday , there were 14 red cities listed on the Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 6-7.5 would be orange , 5-6 yellow and around 4.5 would be green .
The document does not explicitly state that schools in red zones would be closed , although it has been suggested that these schools might open after the High Holy Days .
According to the document , a committee of ministers could change the classification of a neighborhood within a city , if it is reflective of the morbidity data .
The vote on the traffic light program is considered a “ watershed ” moment for Gamzu .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the “ tools ” to manage the pandemic , he may step down .
However , the program is expected to pass .
Gamzu said after a coronavirus cabinet meeting held about 10 days ago that “ cabinet ministers expressed overwhelming support for the outlines I presented to them and for avoiding lockdown.
” The cabinet is also supposed to discuss how synagogues will operate over the holidays and about further opening the skies for Israelis , such as allowing them to travel to and return from Cyprus , Georgia , Hungary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 898 people diagnosed with coronavirus on Saturday , the Health Ministry reported on Sunday .
A total of 441 people are in serious condition , including 121 who are intubated .
The death toll stands at 909.The cabinet is also supposed to discuss how synagogues will operate over the holidays and about further opening the skies for Israelis , such as allowing them to travel to and return from Cyprus , Georgia , Hungary and Austria without entering isolation .


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Indonesia reports 2,858 new coronavirus infections, 82 new deaths

Indonesia on Sunday reported 2,858 new coronavirus infections and 82 more deaths, taking the total number of cases to 172,053 and fatalities to 7,343, data by the country's health ministry showed.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Highest number of coronavirus deaths last week - Health Ministry

This marks the highest weekly figure since the beginning of the epidemic , the ministry stated .
If the current @ @ @ @ @ pass 1,000 coronavirus deaths this week , doubling the amount of deaths in less than @ @ @

This marks the highest weekly figure since the beginning of the epidemic, the ministry stated. If the current rate continues, Israel will pass 1,000 coronavirus deaths this week, doubling the amount of deaths in less than a month.
There were 93 deaths last week from coronavirus in Israel, the Health Ministry announced on Sunday morning.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Restaurant collapse in China's Shanxi kills 29

The building collapsed at 9:40 a.m. ( 0140 GMT ) on Saturday in Xiangfen county in the southwest of Shanxi @ @ @ @ @ Management said in a statement .
The accident in the two-story structure occurred as villagers @ @ @ @ @ birthday party , and the rescue operation ended early on Sunday , state media said @ @ @ @ @ from the debris , with 29 confirmed dead , while 21 suffered minor injuries .

Twenty-nine people were killed and seven seriously injured when a restaurant collapsed in northern China's Shanxi province, the country's emergencies ministry media said on Sunday.
The building collapsed at 9:40 a.m. (0140 GMT) on Saturday in Xiangfen county in the southwest of Shanxi, the Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement.
The accident in the two-story structure occurred as villagers and relatives gathered for a birthday party, and the rescue operation ended early on Sunday, state media said.
Fifty-seven people were pulled from the debris, with 29 confirmed dead, while 21 suffered minor injuries.
The Shanxi provincial government has set up a high-level team to investigate the accident in the county, which is under the jurisdiction of the city of Linfen, the emergency management ministry said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Police: Five minors suspected guilty of involvement in Eilat gang rape

Police presented the Ashkelon Magistrate Court on Sunday with its statement incriminating five of the minors involved in the gang-rape @ @ @ @ @ Eilat 's Red Sea Hotel .
Police additionally requested to extend the arrest of the @ @ @ @ @ them were released on house arrest .

The court “does not understand the size of the affair,” the police said in response to the decision as the court claimed that the house arrest does not take away from the extremity of the crime. Police had requested a delay of execution of the house arrest, stating, “They were involved directly in the rape, their place is in jail and not at home.” The Beersheba Regional Court will discuss the possible delay of execution on Monday. Police presented the Ashkelon Magistrate Court on Sunday with its statement incriminating five of the minors involved in the gang-rape of the All minors who will be charged in the gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl at Eilat’s Red Sea Hotel were released to house arrest on Sunday afternoon. One adult was also released to house arrest.The court “does not understand the size of the affair,” the police said in response to the decision as the court claimed that the house arrest does not take away from the extremity of the crime.Police had requested a delay of execution of the house arrest, stating, “They were involved directly in the rape, their place is in jail and not at home.” The Beersheba Regional Court will discuss the possible delay of execution on Monday.Police presented the Ashkelon Magistrate Court on Sunday with its statement incriminating five of the minors involved in the gang-rape of the 16-year-old
One of the three minors who had initially been released from prison under restrictive conditions was once more arrested on Sunday afternoon. He was transferred to the Lachish investigative team for interrogation.A source close to the investigation said that only a handful of those arrested will actually be charged, according to Haaretz. According to the source, the two 27-year-olds and two of the minors will be charged with rape, while a few others will merely be charged with failure to prevent a crime.This comes a few days after police announced that the investigative team of over 20 operatives from the Lachish Regional Police had managed to “decode” the affair and had contacted all suspects. A total of 17 suspects are said to be involved, three of whom were released from police custody under restrictive conditions. Ten of the remaining suspects in custody were minors, and the other four were adults.Two of the adult suspects – the two main adult suspects – will be brought before the court on Tuesday to have their arrests extended for involvement in the violent affair.Meanwhile, the victim’s mental state is dwindling by the day, according to her lawyer in an interview with N12. “She is trying to digest and understand the meaning of the incident,” she said. “This girl went through a traumatic event, without any consent on her part. There is a lot on her shoulders.”“The victim’s testimony was found to be credible and enforcing evidence has been found,” the police said on Thursday upon announcing the closing of the investigation.One of the main suspects told members of the press Thursday that he did not participate in the rape, but rather that he had attempted to help the victim. “There will come a time when the truth will come out,” he said.The suspect later admitted to documenting the brutal act, although he proceeded to deny participating in the sexual assault itself. His arrest was extended by six days, as was the arrest of two other suspects.The victim, a 16-year-old girl, was vacationing with a friend in Eilat and had become inebriated when she was gang-raped by a group of men. Although the original number of suspects was thought to have been 30, that number had slowly decreased to 17, the police said.Among those who were involved, police claim that some took part in the act while others filmed and documented it.The police had previously arrested the manager of the hotel, Pnina Maman, under suspicion of disrupting the investigation proceedings and failing to prevent the crime. She at first had claimed that the hotel had not been involved and that it was a victim of shaming, but later broke down in court, saying that the case has triggered anxiety for her, as she had also been a victim of rape. She was released under restrictive circumstances.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Eilat gang rape: Police to file prosecutor's declaration against suspects


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Suspicion of ammonia leak in Migal Ha'emek leads to factory evacutation

Around 100 workers were evacuated from the facility , and one person was reported to have received treatment for minor @ @ @ @ @

Around 100 workers were evacuated from the facility, and one person was reported to have received treatment for minor injuries, N12 reported.
Police, along with fire and rescue crews were called to a factory Sunday morning in the industrial zone of Migdal Ha’emek following suspicions of an ammonia leak in a factory.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Qalunsawe shooting: Death of 22-year-old man confirmed

The wounded man was taken to Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba , and then to The Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson @ @ @ @ @ where his death was confirmed .
Police have opened an investigation into the incident .

The wounded man was taken to Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, and then to The Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva, where his death was confirmed.
Police have opened an investigation into the incident.
A 22-year-old man who was shot on Saturday night in the Arab-Israeli town of Qalunsawe was declared dead on Sunday morning, Israeli media reported.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Global coronavirus cases surpass 25 million

India 's daily new case numbers have surpassed those of the United States and Brazil , the two countries worst @ @ @ @ @ for more than three weeks .
Around the world , there have been more than @ @ @ @ @ lagging indicator given the two-week incubation period of the virus .

Global coronavirus cases surged past 25 million on Sunday, according to a Reuters tally, revealing steady growth in the pandemic as its epicenter shifts again.
India's daily new case numbers have surpassed those of the United States and Brazil, the two countries worst hit by the pandemic, for more than three weeks.
Around the world, there have been more than 840,000 deaths, considered a lagging indicator given the two-week incubation period of the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 24.99 million, death toll at 840,962

More than 24.99 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 840,962 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Arabic graffiti found on cars in French Hill: 'Jerusalem is ours'

Graffiti in Arabic was found on vehicles in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem reading "Jerusalem is ours," according to Channel 12.Israel Police were called to the area on Saturday. About 13 cars were vandalized in the incident.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Trump will visit Kenosha, Wisconsin, following unrest

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday will visit Kenosha, Wisconsin, the city that has seen unrest since a white police officer shot a Black man in the back, a White House official told reporters on Saturday.Trump will meet law enforcement officials and assess damage in the city where the officer shot Jacob Blake, who is paralyzed from the waist down and remains in hospital, the official said. A 17-year-old boy is being held by authorities in Kenosha on suspicion of shooting three people who were protesting the shooting of Blake. Two of those people died.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--China says Czech senate speaker must pay 'heavy price' for Taiwan visit

Vystrcil arrived in Taipei on Sunday .
He said his visit would promote business links with Taiwan , and that @ @ @ @ @ bow to Beijing 's objections .

Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said Czech senate speaker Milos Vystrcil will "pay a heavy price" for violating the One China principle by making an official visit to Taiwan, according to a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry on Monday.
Vystrcil arrived in Taipei on Sunday. He said his visit would promote business links with Taiwan, and that the Czech Republic would not bow to Beijing's objections.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province ineligible for state-to-state relations.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Unidentified person suspected of crossing Israel-Lebanon border

An unidentified person who tried crossing the border between Israel and Lebanon on Sunday morning was apprehended by the IDF. He was then returned to Lebanon but only to try and do so again in the evening, according to Walla!The suspect was again stopped by the IDF and was returned (again) to Lebanon.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Saudi-Led coalition in Yemen destroys explosive-laden boat in Red Sea

As a result of intercepting the drone , some splinters fell on the airport , causing no injuries or damage @ @ @ @ @ al-Malki said , according to SPA .
Air traffic at the airport was proceeding as @ @ @ @ @ TV said , citing its reporter .
Al-Malki said the explosive-laden boat posed a threat @ @ @ @ @ , shipping routes and global trade , SPA reported .
`` The coalition will continue @ @ @ @ @ measures against this terrorist militia and neutralize and destroy such capabilities that pose a threat @ @ @ @ @ , ” al-Malki added .
The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attacks .

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone at Saudi Arabia's Abha international airport and a remotely controlled explosive-laden boat in the south of the Red Sea both launched by Iran-aligned Houthis on Sunday, Saudi state news agency (SPA) reported.
As a result of intercepting the drone, some splinters fell on the airport, causing no injuries or damage, coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said, according to SPA.
Air traffic at the airport was proceeding as normal, state-run Al Ekhbariya TV said, citing its reporter.
Al-Malki said the explosive-laden boat posed a threat to regional and international security, shipping routes and global trade, SPA reported.
"The coalition will continue to implement all rigorous deterrent measures against this terrorist militia and neutralize and destroy such capabilities that pose a threat to regional and international security,” al-Malki added.
The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attacks.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Court postpones teachers strike injunction decision

Labor court decided to postpone the decision to prevent planned teachers strike ahead of new school year, according to The Jerusalem Post sister publication Maariv.The court will resume discussions on Monday morning.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--France calls on Belarus to reverse measures against journalists

PARIS - French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned on Sunday what he called "arbitrary measures" taken by the Belarusian authorities against journalists, saying they violate press freedom.The Belarusian government, facing weeks of protests after a disputed presidential election, has revoked the accreditations of some journalists working for foreign media, news organizations and a journalist association said on Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Jordan reports its highest daily tally of COVID-19 cases

AMMAN- Jordan reported 73 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, its highest daily tally since the start of the outbreak, the health ministry said.The country's total number of confirmed infections now stands at 1,966, with 15 deaths, since the first case surfaced in early March, according to the health ministry.Jordan has seen a jump in daily numbers over the last 10 days, prompting authorities to toughen a nationwide overnight curfew, which now starts at 11 p.m. rather than 1 a.m, and to introduce a one-day lockdown in the capital Amman on Friday.Officials have also delayed the resumption of regular commercial flights from Alia international airport, which was expected to happen this month, hampering prospects of a rapid recovery for its debt-burdened economy.Prime Minister Omar al Razzaz said on Sunday that, while the government would continue to take specific moves when necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19 by isolating certain districts and cities, it did not envisage a return to the sweeping lockdown that stifled the economy.The government sealed its border crossing with Syria earlier this month following a COVID-19 outbreak involving truck drivers arriving from its northern neighbor.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Saudi-led coalition destroys drone launched by Houthis at Abha airport

CAIRO - The Saudi-Led coalition fighting in Yemen intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone launched by Iran-aligned Houthis at Saudi Arabia's Abha international airport on Sunday, Saudi state news agency (SPA) reported.As a result of intercepting the drone, some splinters fell on the airport, causing no injuries or damage, Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said, according to SPA.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Coronavirus cabinet goes against Gamzu: Schools in red zones to open

Schools in red cities will open on Tuesday, despite a recommendation by Prof. Ronni Gamzu that they stay closed until after the holidays.Earlier at the cabinet meeting, the ministers approved his traffic light program.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Rockets fall near Baghdad airport, no casualties

CAIRO - Two Katyusha rockets fell near Baghdad airport on Sunday but caused no casualties, the Iraqi military said, the third such attack on sensitive sites in the capital this week.On Saturday, a rocket fell inside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, while three others landed there on Thursday. Those attacks also caused no casualties.Washington blames such attacks on Iranian-backed militia groups. Iran has not directly commented on the incidents.Iraq, often the scene of spillover violence from U.S.-Iran tensions, seeks to avoid being drawn into any regional conflagration.The Middle East came close to a large conflict in January after a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad airport. Iran-aligned militias have sworn to avenge their deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Coronavirus in Israel: 897 new cases, eight more dead

The coronavirus cabinet on Sunday unanimously approved the “traffic-light” program presented by coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu. The plan will go into effect Sunday, September 6. The cabinet also added a number of new countries to the list of green states from which Israelis can return without entering isolation and rolled out an outline for how to handle prayer services during the Hebrew months of Elul and Tishrei.Gamzu spoke after the cabinet meeting and said a color would soon be administered to every one of the country’s 250 cities.“Each resident should know the color of his or her city,” Gamzu said. “The fight against coronavirus will move from Jerusalem to the municipal authorities.”The final vote on the traffic-light plan had been delayed several times over the last three weeks. But shortly before the vote, Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Interior Minister Arye Deri told Gamzu they would support his plan.“We will support the approval of the traffic-light plan that was built in coordination with the Defense Ministry... Professionals will determine the way [to beat coronavirus ]. The only consideration is public health,” Gantz said following a meeting with Gamzu.The plan centers on identifying communities as red, orange, yellow or green based on several factors, including the number and rate of increase of new weekly patients per 10,000 in each authority, the overall rate of infection and how many people test positive out of those who are screened for the virus.Cities that might be labeled red zones were not discussed at the meeting to avoid a political debate, but a short list of red zones is listed daily on the Health Ministry website.On Sunday, they included Bnei Brak, Tira, Kafr Kassem, Umm el-Fahm, Daliat al-Carmel, Lakiya, Ma’aleh Iron, Yakir, Tifrah, Bukata and Yad Binyamin.There are several differences between the ways that gatherings and other activities will be handled in the different color zones. For example, in red zones, only 10 people will be able to gather indoors and 20 outside; in orange zones, those numbers rise to up to 25 and 50 with capsules of 20 people, respectively. In yellow zones, there could be up to 50 inside and 100 outside in capsules of 20. With permission from local authorities, events could have up to 500 people. In green zones, 100 inside and 250 outside, respectively. Here too, with permission, green zone events could have 500 or more attendees.The traffic-light plan differentiates between certain types of activities, including the education system, public transportation, workplaces, events, nature parks, malls and museums.After the meeting, Gamzu explained the following: “The red and orange cities will get restrictions – lots of restrictions. Probably the education system will be closed, there will be restrictions on businesses, restrictions on commercial activity and restrictions on movement, and maybe even lockdown.”During the meeting, it was reported that the ministers opposed Gamzu on one point: opening schools in red zones on Tuesday.Gamzu had recommended that schools in these zones should wait to open until after the High Holy Days and Sukkot.During the meeting, it was leaked that the ministers had voted in favor of opening all schools, even in red zones. However, shortly after the conclusion of the cabinet, Gamzu put out a statement that, “a decision has not yet been reached to open the school year in red cities.”He said his stance remains unequivocally unchanged.“The opening of the school year in red cities will bring about a spike in coronavirus cases in those cities and in other cities,” he said.Furthermore, the cabinet rolled out an initial outline for prayer services during the High Holy Days in all zones.Prayer services can be held outside in large groups of up to 250 people who are divided into capsules of 20 people. Each capsule would need to be clearly marked and individuals should sit two meters apart unless they are from the same nuclear family.Prayers could be held inside, as well, but only in facilities that are minimally 40-square-meters large and with people being able to stay two meters apart. Bigger facilities can hold more prayer goers – up to 1,000 – and so long as there is not more than one person for every four square meters.The vote on the traffic-light program was considered a “watershed” moment for Gamzu. He had suggested that if he was not given the “tools” to manage the pandemic, he might step down.The cabinet also approved the opening of the cultural halls to larger audiences starting this coming Sunday, under Purple Ribbon guidelines.Finally, the coronavirus cabinet added nine new countries to its list of states to which Israelis can travel and return without entering quarantine. The new states are Australia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Taiwan, Norway, Singapore, Portugal and Thailand.Recall, Israelis can already return from the following green states without isolation: Austria, Italy, Estonia, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Georgia, Germany, Denmark, Hong Kong, Hungary, Greece, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Slovenia, Finland, Canada, Cyprus, Croatia and Rwanda.There were 897 people diagnosed with coronavirus on Saturday, the Health Ministry reported, plus another 429 between midnight and press time on Sunday.The number of serious patients was rising and reached 444 Sunday evening, among them 127 who are intubated. The death toll rose to 919, with eight people dying from coronavirus between midnight and press time.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Gamzu's 'traffic light' program passed unanimously


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--21 fires blaze throughout Israel due to incendiary balloons

Some 21 fires blazed on Sunday due to incendiary balloons, the Fire and Rescue Investigators for the Southern District announced.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Man seriously injured after falling onto train track

A man in his 60s was seriously injured on Sunday evening after tripping onto the train tracks of the Hof Hacarmel train station in Haifa.Magen David Adom evacuated him to Rambam Medical Center and report that he is in serious condition.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--At least three migrants die as boat catches fire off Italy

CROTONE, Italy - At least three migrants died when a fire broke out on a boat carrying them close to the southern coast of Italy on Sunday, police and health officials said.Another five migrants were injured and taken to hospital, health authorities in the Italian port city of Crotone said.Two police officers were hurt as they tried to help the migrants, the Crotone police force said, without going into further details.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--UAE and Israel discuss cooperation on food and water security

DUBAI - A UAE minister of state and Israel's agriculture minister discussed food and water security cooperation on Friday in a phone call, an Emirati statement said on Sunday.The UAE's minister of state for food and water security Mariam Al Mheiri and Israeli agriculture minister Alon Schuster "pledged to collaborate on projects that address food and water security," the statement said.Israel and the UAE announced on Aug. 13 that they would normalize diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Belarusian police detain 125 protesters during rally in Minsk - RIA

MOSCOW - Police detained 125 protesters during a rally in the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Sunday, Russian news agency RIA reported, citing the country's Interior Ministry.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Government approves extending coronavirus state of emergency by 60 days

there is still a real risk of widespread coronavirus infections and of significant harm to public health .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ end November 6 .

there is still a real risk of widespread coronavirus infections and of significant harm to public health." The state of emergency will now end November 6. The state of emergency will now end November 6.
The government announced Sunday that it would extend the state of emergency declared due to the coronavirus pandemic by 60 days.In a statement, the government explained that this decision to extend the state of emergency, which would have ended on September 6, was because "


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Third Lebanese IMF negotiator quits post, says source

BEIRUT- A senior member of Lebanon's negotiating team with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has resigned, becoming the third to do so over deadlocked talks, a source close to the finance ministry told Reuters on Sunday.Talal Salman was economic advisor to the Lebanese finance ministry. A ministry spokeswoman declined to comment.Lebanon began talks with the IMF for a bailout in May after defaulting on its huge sovereign debt but the negotiations were put on hold in July due to a lack of action on reforms and a row on the Lebanese side over the size of its vast financial losses.The government that launched the talks resigned this month over the Aug. 4 port explosion in Beirut that fuelled public anger at a political class seen as responsible for the country's many woes, including a deep financial crisis rooted in corruption and mismanagement.


jerusalempost--2020-08-30--Three-year-old in serious condition after falling into private pool

A three-year-old is in serious condition in Hillel Yaffe Medical Center after falling into a private pool.He is currently intubated and unconscious.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Meir Ben-Shabbat in Arabic: We came here to make a dream into reality

Israel's national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat spoke at the ceremony welcoming an Israeli delegation on its first flight to the United Arab Emirates. In Arabic, he said that the delegation has come to turn a dream into reality.Switching to Hebrew, Ben-Shabbat thanked the regional leaders for their "vision and efforts invested to get to this moment."


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--7 fires sparked by incendiary balloons in southern Israel

Israel Police reminds the public to contact them by dialing 100 whenever a suspicious object is found .
It is @ @ @ @ @ people in the area should be distanced from such an object .

Israel Police reminds the public to contact them by dialing 100 whenever a suspicious object is found. It is prohibited to touch them and people in the area should be distanced from such an object.
Some 7 fires were sparked by incendiary balloons in southern Israel on Monday, according to Israel Fire and Rescue Services, as launches of incendiary and explosive balloons continued from the Gaza Strip.An explosive balloon landed in a field in southern Israel on Monday and was disarmed by police sappers. No injuries or damage were reported.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Philippines reports 3,446 new coronavirus cases, 38 additional deaths

The Philippines reported on Monday 3,446 coronavirus infections and 38 deaths, taking its total caseload to 220,819 and fatalities to 3,558, its health ministry said.The ministry also said on Monday that five Philippine hospitals have been identified as candidates for potential clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by China-based Sinovac Biotech.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Russia's coronavirus cases approach 1 million

Russia reported 4,993 new cases of the coronavirus on Monday, bringing its nationwide tally to 995,319, the fourth largest caseload in the world after the US, Brazil and India.Russia's coronavirus task force said 83 people had died over the last 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 17,176.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Firefighters fight blaze in IDF's Tzrifin base

Six firefighting teams worked to control a trash fire in the Tzrifin base near Be'er Yaakov in central Israel on Monday, as the fire threatened a number of nearby storage buildings.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Lebanon's Hezbollah nominates Adib as PM

The bloc `` informed President Aoun of its agreement to the nomination of Mustapha Adib , and we expressed our @ @ @ @ @ '' Mohamed Raad said .

Lawmakers in the Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah nominated Mustapha Adib to be the next prime minister on Monday, the head of its parliamentary bloc said after a meeting with President Michel Aoun.
The bloc "informed President Aoun of its agreement to the nomination of Mustapha Adib, and we expressed our readiness for positive cooperation," Mohamed Raad said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Two suspects in Eilat rape case to remain in jail

Two suspects in the Eilat rape case will remain in jail after some of the suspects were released to house arrest, a court decided on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--69 new coronavirus cases reported in Gaza

Some 243 cases have been reported outside of quarantine centers .

Some 243 cases have been reported outside of quarantine centers.
Some 69 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, announced the Gaza Health Ministry on Monday, bringing the total number of cases in the Strip to 356 since the beginning of the pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Belarus opposition leader to address UN Security Council

She will speak by a video link at the invitation of Estonia , which is currently is a non-permanent member @ @ @ @ @ member of her team told Reuters .

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will address the United Nations Security Council on Friday, her spokesman said in a statement.
She will speak by a video link at the invitation of Estonia, which is currently is a non-permanent member of the body, a member of her team told Reuters.
Tsikhanouskaya was a presidential candidate in the Aug. 9 elections in Belarus which her supporters say she won. She fled to Lithuania after the election which President Alexander Lukashenko declared he had won a by a wide margin, sparking large protests in Belarus.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--UAE FM Anwar Gargash to receive Israeli delegation - report

United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash will receive the Israeli delegation headed to Abu Dhabi on Monday, according to Israeli media.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Teacher's Union agrees to start school year on time, strike delayed

Just a day before the school year is set to begin, the Teacher's Union agreed on Monday to begin the year on time and to delay a planned strike until September 3 if an agreement is not reached.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--India coronavirus cases surge to 3.6 million

On Sunday , India 's total of 78,761 new cases exceeded the previous record of 77,299 in the United States @ @ @ @ @ Reuters tally of official data showed .
India , the world 's second-most populous country @ @ @ @ @ highest single-day caseload in the world every day since Aug. 7 , exceeding the tallies @ @ @ @ @ and Brazil .
At 3.62 million total cases , India is fast catching up to @ @ @ @ @ of cumulative caseload , but it has relatively lower death rate .

India reported 78,512 new novel coronavirus infections on Monday, slightly fewer than its record set the previous day when it posted the biggest, single-day tally of infections of any country in the pandemic.
On Sunday, India's total of 78,761 new cases exceeded the previous record of 77,299 in the United States on July 16, a Reuters tally of official data showed.
India, the world's second-most populous country, has been posting the highest single-day caseload in the world every day since Aug. 7, exceeding the tallies of both the United States and Brazil.
At 3.62 million total cases, India is fast catching up to these two countries in terms of cumulative caseload, but it has relatively lower death rate.
India's deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, went up by 971 in the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 64,469, the health ministry said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 25.1 million, death toll at 842,633

More than 25.1 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 842,633 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--700 students to start school late after principal confirmed with COVID-19

Some 30 teachers and staff members are currently in quarantine after coming into contact with the principal , meaning no @ @ @ @ @ the students in the meantime .

Some 30 teachers and staff members are currently in quarantine after coming into contact with the principal, meaning no staff is available to teach the students in the meantime.
About 700 students will not start the school year on Tuesday, after the principal of a elementary school in Bat Yam was confirmed as infected with the coronavirus, according to KAN news.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Bride in serious condition after collapsing at wedding

She was transferred to the hospital after she collapsed where resuscitation efforts were conducted and is currently being treated in @ @ @ @ @ wing .

She was transferred to the hospital after she collapsed where resuscitation efforts were conducted and is currently being treated in the ICU in the cardiology wing.
A doctor at Soroka Medical Center is in serious condition after she collapsed during her wedding on Sunday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Japan PM Abe tells Trump strengthening of Japan-US alliance will remain

By subscribing I accept the terms of use

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told US President Donald Trump that a strengthening of the two nations' alliance will remain in place even after Abe's departure, a Japanese government spokesman said on Monday.In a phone call lasting about 30 minutes, Abe explained his decision on Friday to resign as prime minister, the government said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Trump told Abe he was Japan's greatest prime minister, White House says

The two men spoke at length , and Trump told Abe he had done a `` fantastic job '' and @ @ @ @ @ two countries was stronger than it has ever been , White House spokesman Judd Deere @ @ @ @ @

US President Donald Trump called Shinzo Abe the greatest prime minister in Japanese history during a call between the two leaders, a White House spokesman said, days after the Japanese premier said he was stepping down for health reasons.
The two men spoke at length, and Trump told Abe he had done a "fantastic job" and that the relationship between their two countries was stronger than it has ever been, White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement.
"The President called Prime Minister Abe the greatest prime minister in Japan's history," Deere said.


jerusalempost--2020-09-01--Saudi-led coalition destroys Houthi drone laden with explosives

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone early on Tuesday launched by Iran-aligned Houthis to target civilians in the Kingdom's southern area, Saudi state news agency (SPA) reported.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Trump: Federal agencies set to investigate 'left-wing civil unrest'

Trump , hammering a `` tough on crime '' approach to curb violence in American cities gripped by protests over @ @ @ @ @ , said more than 200 people had been arrested in cities across the country , @ @ @ @ @ Oregon , alone .

The U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security are setting up a joint operations center to investigate "left-wing civil unrest," President Donald Trump said on Monday, as he accused Democrat Joe Biden of giving moral aid to vandals.
Trump, hammering a "tough on crime" approach to curb violence in American cities gripped by protests over police brutality and racial inequality, said more than 200 people had been arrested in cities across the country, including 100 in Portland, Oregon, alone.
"In America, we will never surrender to mob rule, because if the mob rules, democracy is indeed dead," Trump said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Coronavirus: Brazil tops 3.9m. cases, 45,961 new infections

Brazil has registered 3,908,272 cases of the virus since the pandemic began , while the official death toll from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ according to ministry data , in the world 's worst coronavirus outbreak outside the United @ @

Brazil reported 45,961 new cases of the novel coronavirus and 553 deaths from the disease caused by the virus in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said on Monday.
Brazil has registered 3,908,272 cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll from COVID-19 has risen to 121,381, according to ministry data, in the world's worst coronavirus outbreak outside the United States.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Woman pronounced dead after shooting in Ramallah

Following a shooting in Ramallah, a 30-year-old woman was transferred in critical condition to Shamir Medical Center in Beer Yaakov.She succumbed to her injuries shortly after her arrival.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--UAE crown prince: We are still committed to establishing Palestinian state

In a statement read by UAE 's foreign minister , Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said to @ @ @ @ @ country that the normalization deal with Israel was a sovereign decision in the favor of @ @

The Abu Dhabi crown prince said on Monday that the United Arab Emirates is committed to the establishment of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, Dubai-based Al Arabiya TV reported.
In a statement read by UAE's foreign minister, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said to the Palestinian community in the country that the normalization deal with Israel was a sovereign decision in the favor of peace.
"Peace is a strategic choice, but not at the expense of the Palestinian cause," he said according to Al Arabiya.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Suspicious balloon with attached device landed in Ashdod beach

In the beach area of Ashdod, the police bomb disposal experts responded to a suspicious balloon that landed with a device attached.The police bomb disposal experts prevented any injuries at the scene.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Coronavirus cabinet rules: Schools in red cities to remain closed

The coronavirus cabinet decided late Monday night to keep students in 23 red cities home from school on Tuesday, the first day of the school year, in a victory for Prof. Ronni Gamzu.
Some 2.4 million students went to bed on Monday, on the eve of the first day of school, amid confusion over whether red cities would start school on Tuesday.The students are set to start a school year that is expected to be challenging due to the impact of the novel coronavirus and the need for social distancing and distance learning.Gamzu strongly opposed opening these schools; Education Minister Yoav Gallant wanted to see all schools start.“It could be that the education minister will be justified in the end, but this is not about who is right,” Gamzu said during a press briefing Monday afternoon. “We manage risks, and this is not a risk to take.Speaking directly to the ministers, he said, “With all due respect, sometimes you do not have all the professional tools... Any person other than me would have gotten up and walked out.”Gamzu was in part responding to statements made earlier in the morning by Prof. Gabi Barbash, who was first tapped by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be the country’s coronavirus commissioner. Barbash said in a radio interview that if he had accepted the position, “with my temperament, I would have resigned three times already: once after the entry of 17,000 students [from abroad to learn in Israel], a second time for Uman and a third time for the start of the school year in red cities.”At the briefing, Gamzu said he would use all his strength to fight against the decision to allow schools in red cities to resume. He also noted that many of the red and orange local authorities are asking for restrictions to help bring down infections in their cities – including not opening schools.“I do not believe that the school year will open tomorrow in the red cities as usual,” Gamzu told the press at 4:30 p.m. “They say I am crazy that I ask not to open schools in the red cities, but some of the heads of the authorities are interested in it.”He said he does not believe there will be a single school without a verified case in red cities. “Therefore, I insist on it and will continue to insist” that these schools do not open.Former Education Ministry director-general Michal Cohen backed Gamzu. She said that “opening schools in red areas would be a mistake that would lead to closures of entire cities.”Gamzu also stressed that the infection rate is extremely high at present in the Arab sector, which is very worrisome. A list of 24 red cities published by the Health Ministry showed that 18 of them were Arab towns. Three of the towns were haredi (ultra-Orthodox).At press time, the full list was: A’avlin, Al-Batuf, Asfiya, Beit Jann, Beitar Illit, Daliat al-Carmel, Ein Mahil, Immanuel, Jaat, Jadeidi-Makr, Jaljulya, Ka’abiyye-Tabbash-Hajajre, Kfar Aza, Kafr Bara, Kafr Kanna, Kafr Kassem, Lakiya, Ma’aleh Iron, Rehasim, Tiberius, Tira, Umm al-Fahm and Zamar.Gamzu also used the press conference to explain his “traffic light” program, which is how cities will be identified as red, orange, yellow or green. While green cities are supposed to have minimal restrictions, he stressed that the plan only works if red zones are controlled. This would likely include restrictions on movement, in addition to the schools.Outside of the red zones, however, schools were expected to open Tuesday as planned, according to a ruling by Judge Hadas Yahalom on Monday.Yahalom ruled against the Teachers Union’s right to strike after the union and the Education Ministry agreed to maintain a dialogue – and that no teachers will be placed on unpaid leave without being allowed to present their case in the space of 24 hours.The ministry agreed to offer 800 pre-retirement positions to teachers who can present medical verification that they are at risk for becoming seriously ill from coronavirus.On Sunday, the ministry also offered to help protect teachers by investing NIS 30 million in purchasing protective gear for those teaching in preschool and elementary school.The National Parents Association also reported that it will not call on parents to avoid sending their children to school, thus disrupting the school year, after “creative, alternative solutions” were found to allow children to learn more than two days a week in their classrooms.The original outline provided by the Education Ministry involved fifth and sixth graders learning two days a week in school and three remotely. Parents objected to the outline, explaining that their children could not manage to be on their own for so many hours, and likely would not be able to follow the curriculum without parental guidance.“We are aware that not all schools can report that all problems were solved,” Parent Association head Mirom Shif said. “We continue to work with all those involved to find practical solutions in the near future.”Associate vice chairwoman Odelia Cohen-Schondors added that, “Our goal was never to disrupt the year just for the sake of striking. It was to motivate the Education Ministry to work harder for the benefit of all Israeli children.”Speaking to The Jerusalem Post, Cohen-Schondors said that “many additional improvements need to be made to ensure all children in the country will be included [fully in school] and not only some of them,” but that she feels that the negotiations now being held between parents, ministry officials and local councils are much more effective than they were previously.A mother to two children about to begin sixth and 11th grades said that she has mixed feelings about the upcoming year.“New beginnings during a crisis are always good,” she said. “But the COVID-19 challenge was not solved, and I am concerned both as a mother and for the education level my children are being offered.”During the briefing and an earlier one for the ultra-Orthodox press, Gamzu also spoke about his protest against ultra-Orthodox travelers to Uman, and the letter he wrote to the president of Ukraine asking him to stop flights there from Israel. Gamzu said that 30,000 Israelis traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah could bring lockdown on Israel and will lead to a spike in sick people in both countries.“I bear on my back a heavy responsibility for the management of coronavirus,” Gamzu said. “I conveyed a professional message to the government of Ukraine, and I stand behind it.”On Monday, N12 reported that out of the 2,000 passengers who have thus far arrived in Ukraine, one passenger – a 20-year-old who arrived on Friday – tested positive for coronavirus. The young man is in isolation at a local coronavirus hotel, alongside two passengers who traveled in a car with him. The Ukrainian Ministry of Health has been updated on all the details.Meanwhile, some 1,103 people were diagnosed with the novel virus on Sunday, the Health Ministry reported Monday, plus another 1,894 between midnight and press time. There were 437 people in serious condition, including 125 who were intubated. Fourteen people died Monday, bringing the death toll to 939.Netanyahu was asked about the rate of infection at the end of a press briefing Monday on the historical flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates and whether or not the government was still considering a lockdown. He said a closure would only happen when Israel reached or surpassed 700 to 800 serious patients.“Currently, we are about halfway there,” he said.Finally, negotiations between striking lab technicians in Israel and the Finance Ministry broke down with no agreement on Monday, and the technicians are likely to continue their strike for at least one more day.The chairwoman of the Israel Association of Biochemists, Microbiologists and Laboratory Workers, Esther Admon, blamed officials from the Finance Ministry for the lack of progress in the negotiations.Hannah Brown contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--30-year-old woman critically injured in violent incident in her home

A 30-year-old woman was critically injured during a violent incident in her home on Monday , according to Maariv Online @ @ @ @ @ from her home in Ramle by a Magen David Adom team .
Medical staff performed @ @ @ @ @ continued to give her medical care.The woman was injured by gunfire , according to Israeli @ @ @ @ @ scene and investigating .

A 30-year-old woman was critically injured during a violent incident in her home on Monday, according to Maariv Online.
The woman was taken from her home in Ramle by a Magen David Adom team. Medical staff performed CPR on the woman and continued to give her medical care.
The woman was injured by gunfire, according to Israeli police who are on the scene and investigating.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--US isolated as it vetoes UN resolution on foreign militants

The United States on Monday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on foreign militants fighting with groups like Islamic State because it did not address repatriation, an issue that has long-pitted Washington against its European allies.The remaining 14 council members voted in favor of the resolution drafted by Indonesia, isolating the United States.


jerusalempost--2020-08-31--Gantz and Gamzu to inaugurate Alon Command

Tuesday, Defense Minister Benny Gantz is expected to inaugurate the Alon Command to cut the coronavirus chain of infection, according to Walla News. Along with coronavirus commissioner Ronni Gamzu, Gantz is expected to announce the beginning of full activity of the command which operates under the Homefront Command.