jerusalempost--2020-10-22--Jerusalem's Int'l Convention Center to be named after Shimon Peres

The International Congress Center "Buildings of the Nation," a massive infrastructure near the entrance to Jerusalem within the city, will decidedly be named after former president Shimon Peres, according to the buildings' directory.The motion was initiated by Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog. The building is one of the major sites in Jerusalem, and was used to host the Eurovision Song Contest and former US President Barack Obama's speech in 2013. It building was originally erected in the 1950s with the sponsorship of the Jewish Agency, which sought to establish a conference center to host the Zionist Congress. The center was designed by architect Zeev Rechter, in a construction process that took place for a decade and completed in 1963.The expansion of the facility will cover an area of 55,000 meters, making it potentially one of the most advanced congress centers in the Middle East. The building will consist of nine skyscrapers and 15 ten-story buildings, adding potentially 60,000 new jobs in the capital. The cost of the project is expected to be NIS 1.8 billion, and will be built over the next 10 years."This move was a natural decision. On our eastern side is Sixth President Avenue - Chaim Herzog, and on our western side, President Weizmann Avenue. The late Shimon Peres was a man of innovation, and even at his extreme age he always looked forward to an innovative future and renewable technologies for the benefit of man and the advancement of the State of Israel... therefore there is no suitable place for nation building in the 'Presidential Quarter' as a place to mark his special personality," the board's statement read."This is a worthy commemoration of one of the greatest leaders of the State of Israel, who promoted peace, economy, security and innovation in the State of Israel and saw Jerusalem as the beating heart of the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora," Herzog said. "As a Member of Knesset, Minister of Israel, Prime Minister and President for over 40 years, he navigated Israel responsibly, wisely and judiciously, and always saw to distances that few could, as he did with the construction of the Dimona reactor and the defense industry.""I was privileged to work alongside him and was privileged to be intimately impressed by his devotion to the people and the state," he said. "There is no more appropriate place to bear the name of Shimon, as someone who believed in Israeli innovation as a key engine for growth and the advancement of the State of Israel."


jerusalempost--2020-10-22--Gantz finishes meeting with US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper at Pentagon

Gantz and Esper announced that a joint statement will be released soon .

Gantz and Esper announced that a joint statement will be released soon.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz concluded his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper at the Pentagon on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-22--Suspected Islamist was under observation on day of Dresden attack

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A Syrian suspected of killing a tourist in the German city of Dresden early this month had been classified as a radical Islamist and was under observation on the day of the attack, security officials said on Thursday.The 20-year-old man had been categorized in 2017 as likely to pose a threat to public safety, said Saxony state's head of police, Petric Kleine.Some 600 suspected Islamists are in this category in Germany, according to authorities.The Syrian was released from prison, where he had served more than two years for recruiting members to a terrorist organization, only days before the attack.In an assessment months before, authorities had said it was highly likely the man would commit more crimes once released, Kleine added.He was under observation on the day of the attack and the two preceding days, said the head of the Saxony branch of the domestic intelligence agency, Dirk-Martin Christian.He added that people just released from prison were not normally monitored 24 hours a day, but declined to give more details.Investigators accuse the Syrian of attacking two tourists, one aged 53 and the other aged 55, from the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia with a knife. Both were severely injured and the 55-year-old later died.The Syrian had come to Germany in October 2015 at the peak of the migrant crisis and was later granted refugee status, police said. He lost this status because of his criminal record in 2019, but could not be deported due to the civil war in his home country.


jerusalempost--2020-10-22--Afghan air strike hits religious school after Taliban attack

An Afghan military air strike targeting Taliban fighters killed at least 12 people, including children, and wounded 14 in an attack that hit a religious school in the northeastern province of Takhar, two provincial officials said on Thursday.Hadi Jamal, an Afghan military spokesman, confirmed the air strike on Wednesday evening but said it was "not clear if the attack had accidentally killed civilians and children" and that an investigation had been launched.He did not elaborate on what kind of air strike had been carried out.The two provincial officials asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak to the press. Senior officials in the capital city Kabul, including First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, denied that children had been killed in the air strike."The news of the killing of children in a mosque in Takhar is baseless. Those who dragged our forces to dust and blood yesterday were destroyed, and we have an undeniable proof," Saleh wrote on his Facebook page. In a statement, the hardline Islamist Taliban movement said 12 children were killed and 18 others including a cleric wounded in the air strike.Taliban fighters have killed at least 37 government troops in attacks over the past 72 hours in an offensive to overrun Baharak district in Takhar, prompting government forces to call in air support, provincial officials said.Abdul Qayoom Hayrat, head of the provincial health department in Takhar, said that 10 of the dead soldiers were members of the Afghan special forces.A Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, confirmed the insurgents were engaged in fighting with government forces in Takhar.Afghanistan has seen rising insurgent violence while talks are underway in Qatar that could help the United States find a way out of its longest war.The United States signed an agreement with the Taliban in February to promote a negotiated end to the 19-year-old conflict, and talks between the insurgents and the U.S.-backed government began more than a month ago.But they have yet to yield any major breakthrough.


jerusalempost--2020-10-22--Palestinian in Israel charged for assisting in terror tunnel construction

An indictment was filed against Nabil Abu Sanima, a 25-year-old resident of Gaza, for violations of state security, Walla News reported Thursday.The indictment said that the man joined the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and helped construct "terror tunnels." The indictment also noted that the man sought to get arrested and receive a salary for his imprisonment.


jerusalempost--2020-10-22--Russia grants Edward Snowden permanent residency rights

Russia has granted US whistleblower Edward Snowden permanent residency rights , his lawyer said on Thursday , a step towards Russian citizenship if he wants it .
Snowden , 37 , fled the United States and was given asylum in Russia after leaking secret files in 2013 that revealed vast domestic and international surveillance operations carried out by the US National Security Agency where he was a contractor .
US authorities have for years wanted Snowden returned to the United States to face a criminal trial on espionage charges brought in 2013 .
`` His ( Russian ) residency permit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' Anatoly Kucherena , his Russian lawyer , told Reuters .
Kucherena said the coronavirus pandemic had made the process longer than usual .
`` We submitted the documents in April and we got the permanent residency rights ( on Thursday ) , '' he said .
Separately , Kucherena told the TASS news agency that Snowden was not considering applying for a Russian passport at this stage .
US President Donald Trump said in August he was considering a pardon for Snowden .
Snowden keeps a low profile in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ natural beauty and the warmth of its people , while using social media to criticize government policy from time to time .

Russia has granted US whistleblower Edward Snowden permanent residency rights, his lawyer said on Thursday, a step towards Russian citizenship if he wants it.
Snowden, 37, fled the United States and was given asylum in Russia after leaking secret files in 2013 that revealed vast domestic and international surveillance operations carried out by the US National Security Agency where he was a contractor.
US authorities have for years wanted Snowden returned to the United States to face a criminal trial on espionage charges brought in 2013.
"His (Russian) residency permit was expiring and we asked to extend it," Anatoly Kucherena, his Russian lawyer, told Reuters. Kucherena said the coronavirus pandemic had made the process longer than usual.
"We submitted the documents in April and we got the permanent residency rights (on Thursday)," he said.
Separately, Kucherena told the TASS news agency that Snowden was not considering applying for a Russian passport at this stage.
US President Donald Trump said in August he was considering a pardon for Snowden.
Snowden keeps a low profile in Russia. He has praised the country's natural beauty and the warmth of its people, while using social media to criticize government policy from time to time.


jerusalempost--2020-10-22--Harish resident arrested for indecent acts on three children

A 21-year-old resident of Harish was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of committing indecent acts on three children in the town, Israel Police announced Wednesday.The children were declared to between the ages of 6 to 9.


jerusalempost--2020-10-22--Three Molotov cocktails thrown at Border Police near Jerusalem

Three Molotov cocktails were thrown at Border Police stationed near Abu Dis in Jerusalem, Ynet reported Thursday.No damage or injuries were reported.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--US suspends Turkey visa services after reports on potential attacks

`` The US Mission in Turkey has received credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against US citizens and @ @ @ @ @ including against the US Consulate General , as well as potentially other locations in Turkey @ @ @ @ @ .

The US Embassy in Ankara said on Friday it was temporarily suspending all American citizen and visa services at missions in Turkey over credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against US citizens in Istanbul.
"The US Mission in Turkey has received credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against US citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul, including against the US Consulate General, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey," the embassy said.
A US Embassy spokesperson said the statement was issued after an ongoing assessment of security conditions in Turkey.
On New Year's Day 2017, a lone gunman killed 39 people in an attack at an Istanbul nightclub which was later claimed by Islamic State. It was one of a series of militant attacks that killed dozens of people in Istanbul and elsewhere in Turkey.
Since the attack, Turkish authorities have cracked down on suspected Islamic State members and Kurdish militants, carrying out many security operations across the country and detaining hundreds of people.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Saudi-led coalition destroyed two Yemeni Houthi drones

The Saudi-led coalition fighting against Yemen 's Houthi movement intercepted and destroyed two explosive-laden drones launched towards Saudi Arabia by @ @ @ @ @ Saudi state TV reported .
There was no immediate comment from the Houthis on the @ @ @ @ @ coalition spokesman .
Yemen has been locked in conflict since 2014 when the Houthis seized @ @ @ @ @ and then much of the country 's north .
Fighting escalated in March 2015 when @ @ @ @ @ restore the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi .
The Saudis have regularly accused the @ @ @ @ @ missiles to attack Saudi Arabia .

The Saudi-led coalition fighting against Yemen's Houthi movement intercepted and destroyed two explosive-laden drones launched towards Saudi Arabia by the Houthis on Friday, Saudi state TV reported.
There was no immediate comment from the Houthis on the report, which cited a coalition spokesman.
Yemen has been locked in conflict since 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa, the capital, and then much of the country's north.
Fighting escalated in March 2015 when the Saudi-led coalition intervened to restore the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
The Saudis have regularly accused the Houthis of using drones and missiles to attack Saudi Arabia.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Shlomi Shabbat leaves hospital after coronavirus hospitalization

Israeli musician Shlomi Shabbat left the hospital Friday after he was hospitalized for three weeks with coronavirus, according to The Rabin Medical Center-Hasharon Campus.Shabbat thanked hospital staff and Israelis who sent him supportive messages saying "I am anticipating being able to get back on stage and meet you."


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Erdogan says Turkey tested Russian S-400s, shrugs off US reaction

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan confirmed on Friday that Turkey had been testing the S-400 air defense system it bought from Russia, adding that the objection from NATO ally United States on the issue did not matter.Washington says Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 systems compromise NATO defenses, and has threatened sanctions. An apparent firing test of S-400s test last week prompted a furious response from the State Department and Pentagon.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Bnei Brak reclassified from orange to yellow city

Bnei Brak, which had been listed as an orange city under current coronavirus regulations, was added to the Health Ministry's list of yellow cities on Friday.The city saw an additional 413 coronavirus infections last week compared to 4,180 new infections in the previous week.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--People with 'O' blood group are less likely to catch COVID-19

"Studies showed that people with 'O' blood group are less likely to catch COVID-19 than others," French government scientific advisor Arnaud Fontanet told BMF TV on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Police break up wedding, guest smashes police car windshield

Police broke up a wedding with 300 attendees in the Ben Shemen forest and a guest smashed a police car windshield as the guests dispersed on Thursday, according to Israeli police.The guest who allegedly smashed the windshield was arrested and the owner of the venue is being investigated for violating coronavirus regulations.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--COVID-19 spreading more quickly than in spring, French epidemiologist said

The COVID-19 virus is spreading more quickly than during its initial outbreak in the spring , French government scientific advisor @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The virus is circulating more quickly ...
The resurgence of the pandemic started @ @ @ @ @ , an epidemiologist , told BMF TV , adding the fight against the disease would @ @ @ @ @ ''

The COVID-19 virus is spreading more quickly than during its initial outbreak in the spring, French government scientific advisor Arnaud Fontanet said on Friday.
"The virus is circulating more quickly ...The resurgence of the pandemic started in August," Fontanet, an epidemiologist, told BMF TV, adding the fight against the disease would be a "marathon."


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Lebanon security chief back to Beirut after positive COVID-19 test in US

Top Lebanese security official Major-General Abbas Ibrahim returned to Beirut from the United States on Friday where he had tested @ @ @ @ @ media reported .
Ibrahim 's positive test result , announced on Monday , had delayed @ @ @ @ @ Washington and forced him to cancel scheduled meetings in Paris .
`` General Ibrahim will @ @ @ @ @ end of the necessary quarantine period due to him contracting corona , '' local broadcaster @ @ @ @ @ no more details on the nature of his quarantine .
Ibrahim had met US national @ @ @ @ @ the White House last week to discuss American citizens held in Syria , the Wall @ @ @ @ @ 's directorate of General Security , which he heads , had said he was in @ @ @ @ @ his diagnosis on Monday .

Top Lebanese security official Major-General Abbas Ibrahim returned to Beirut from the United States on Friday where he had tested positive for COVID-19, local media reported.
Ibrahim's positive test result, announced on Monday, had delayed his return from talks in Washington and forced him to cancel scheduled meetings in Paris.
"General Ibrahim will continue his work after the end of the necessary quarantine period due to him contracting corona," local broadcaster LBC said. There were no more details on the nature of his quarantine.
Ibrahim had met US national security adviser Robert O'Brien at the White House last week to discuss American citizens held in Syria, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Lebanon's directorate of General Security, which he heads, had said he was in good health when it announced his diagnosis on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Coronavirus in Israel: 895 new cases on Thursday

There were 895 new coronavirus cases in Israel on Thursday the Health Ministry announced Friday morning.Some 570 of current patients are in serious condition, with 223 intubated. The death toll is 2,319.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Two more Palestinian officials infected with coronavirus

The two new cases come just days after veteran PLO official Saeb Erekat and senior PLO official Hanan Ashrawi were @ @ @ @ @ was hospitalized in critical condition at Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem ’ s Ein Kerem @ @ @ @

The two new cases come just days after veteran PLO official Saeb Erekat and senior PLO official Hanan Ashrawi were confirmed as infected. Erekat was hospitalized in critical condition at Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem as of Thursday.
Senior Fatah official Azzam Al-Ahmad and Palestinian Authority Social Affairs Minister Ahmed Majdalani were confirmed as infected with the novel coronavirus on Thursday, Al-Ahmad announced on Facebook.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Federal judge dismisses Trump's mail-ballot suit against NJ

Trump 's re-election campaign filed the lawsuit in August .
U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp wrote that the plaintiffs `` @ @ @ @ @ likely to succeed on the merits of their claims . ''
`` It is difficult @ @ @ @ @ to predict future injury from evidence of past injury , '' Shipp wrote on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ with the ruling and are assessing our options , '' Republican National Committee National Press @ @ @ @ @ a statement cited by Bloomberg News .
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy 's decision in @ @ @ @ @ a Republican , stepped up his attacks on voting by mail , which is expected @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus .
The Trump campaign 's lawsuit made two charges - first , @ @ @ @ @ belonged to the state legislature in changing the state 's election law , and second @ @ @ @ @ will violate eligible citizens ' right to vote '' .
Trump has railed against mail-in @ @ @ @ @ it leads to fraud .
Experts have said such fraud is rare .

A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit by President Donald Trump's re-election campaign against New Jersey over a decision by its Democratic governor to mail a ballot to every voter in the state for November's elections, as well as hold in-person voting amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump's re-election campaign filed the lawsuit in August.
U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp wrote that the plaintiffs "fail to establish they are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims."
"It is difficult - and ultimately speculative - to predict future injury from evidence of past injury," Shipp wrote on Thursday.
"We are disappointed with the ruling and are assessing our options," Republican National Committee National Press Secretary Mandi Merritt said in a statement cited by Bloomberg News.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's decision in August came as Trump, a Republican, stepped up his attacks on voting by mail, which is expected to increase dramatically because of the novel coronavirus.
The Trump campaign's lawsuit made two charges - first, that Murphy exercised power that belonged to the state legislature in changing the state's election law, and second, that the changes "will violate eligible citizens' right to vote".
Trump has railed against mail-in voting, making accusations that it leads to fraud. Experts have said such fraud is rare.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Texas appeals court says state may not limit ballot drop-off sites

A Texas appeals court on Friday ruled the Republican governor can not limit drop-off sites for mail ballots to one per county , a setback for US President Donald Trump .
Upholding a lower court decision , the appeals court ruled against Texas Governor Greg Abbott .
The Texas 3rd Court of Appeals agreed with the lower court that limiting the number of drop boxes would increase the risk that voters could get infected with COVID-19 , and would infringe on their right to vote .
Trump has repeatedly criticized mail-in ballots , claiming without evidence they would lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , faces Democrat Joe Biden in the race for the White House on Nov. 3 .
Trump won Texas by nine percentage points in 2016 .
Though a Democratic presidential candidate has not won the state in more than four decades , opinion polls suggest it might be in reach for Biden , part because of dissatisfaction over Trump 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Abbott on Oct. 1 issued an order limiting mail-in ballot drop boxes to one per county .
On Oct. 15 , Judge Tim Sulak said the limitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks of exposure to COVID-19 infections , and needlessly and unreasonably substantially burden voters ' constitutionally protected rights to vote . ''
In a unanimous ruling on Friday , the three-member appeals court expressed concerns that limiting drop boxes would increase congestion and long lines , endangering the health of voters .

A Texas appeals court on Friday ruled the Republican governor cannot limit drop-off sites for mail ballots to one per county, a setback for US President Donald Trump.
Upholding a lower court decision, the appeals court ruled against Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The Texas 3rd Court of Appeals agreed with the lower court that limiting the number of drop boxes would increase the risk that voters could get infected with COVID-19, and would infringe on their right to vote.
Trump has repeatedly criticized mail-in ballots, claiming without evidence they would lead to widespread fraud. Trump, a Republican, faces Democrat Joe Biden in the race for the White House on Nov. 3.
Trump won Texas by nine percentage points in 2016. Though a Democratic presidential candidate has not won the state in more than four decades, opinion polls suggest it might be in reach for Biden, part because of dissatisfaction over Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Abbott on Oct. 1 issued an order limiting mail-in ballot drop boxes to one per county.
On Oct. 15, Judge Tim Sulak said the limitation "would likely needlessly and unreasonably increase risks of exposure to COVID-19 infections, and needlessly and unreasonably substantially burden voters' constitutionally protected rights to vote."
In a unanimous ruling on Friday, the three-member appeals court expressed concerns that limiting drop boxes would increase congestion and long lines, endangering the health of voters.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--UAE welcomes Sudan's decision to start relations with Israel -WAM

CAIRO - The United Arab Emirates welcomed Sudan 's decision to start relations with Israel , state news agency WAM @ @ @ @ @ a foreign ministry statement .
The ministry added that Sudan 's decision is `` an @ @ @ @ @ and prosperity in the region ... ( and ) would expand the scope of economic @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic cooperation . ''

CAIRO - The United Arab Emirates welcomed Sudan's decision to start relations with Israel, state news agency WAM reported early on Saturday citing a foreign ministry statement.
The ministry added that Sudan's decision is "an important step to boost security and prosperity in the region... (and) would expand the scope of economic, commercial, scientific and diplomatic cooperation."


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--US sanctions Russian institute linked to dangerous malware

The US Treasury Department alleged that the Russian government-backed Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics - also known by its Russian acronym , TsNIIKhM - was responsible for `` building customized tools that enabled the attack '' on an unidentified petrochemical facility in the Middle East in 2017 .
The attack electrified the cybersecurity community when it was made public by researchers later that year because - unlike typical digital intrusions aimed at stealing data or holding it for ransom - it appeared aimed at causing physical damage to the facility itself by disabling its safety system .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ company FireEye - which discovered the software involved - said that made it uniquely dangerous because disabling safety systems at a plant like that one could lead to serious consequences , such as a fire or an explosion .
`` The acute nature of the threat is what makes it scary , '' Brubaker said .
`` Blowing things up and killing people – that ’ s terrifying . ''
Treasury added that last year the attackers behind the malware were reported to be scanning and probing at least 20 electric utilities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment .
Russia routinely denies allegations linking it to cyberattacks on foreign soil .
US officials have been on a tear in the past month , filing a glut of indictments against hackers in Russia , China , and Iran , levying sanctions , and issuing several warnings about state-backed digital intrusions .
Experts see the flood of activity as way of warning hostile powers away from interfering in the Nov. 3 US elections , less than two weeks away .

WASHINGTON - Washington imposed sanctions on Friday on a Russian research institute tied to the development of a dangerous computer program capable of causing catastrophic industrial damage.
The US Treasury Department alleged that the Russian government-backed Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics - also known by its Russian acronym, TsNIIKhM - was responsible for "building customized tools that enabled the attack" on an unidentified petrochemical facility in the Middle East in 2017.
The attack electrified the cybersecurity community when it was made public by researchers later that year because - unlike typical digital intrusions aimed at stealing data or holding it for ransom - it appeared aimed at causing physical damage to the facility itself by disabling its safety system.
Nathan Brubaker, an analyst with cybersecurity company FireEye - which discovered the software involved - said that made it uniquely dangerous because disabling safety systems at a plant like that one could lead to serious consequences, such as a fire or an explosion.
"The acute nature of the threat is what makes it scary," Brubaker said. "Blowing things up and killing people – that’s terrifying."
Treasury added that last year the attackers behind the malware were reported to be scanning and probing at least 20 electric utilities in the United States for vulnerabilities.
The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Russia routinely denies allegations linking it to cyberattacks on foreign soil.
US officials have been on a tear in the past month, filing a glut of indictments against hackers in Russia, China, and Iran, levying sanctions, and issuing several warnings about state-backed digital intrusions.
Experts see the flood of activity as way of warning hostile powers away from interfering in the Nov. 3 US elections, less than two weeks away.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Brazil health auth. OKs import of 6 mln doses of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine

The vaccine , known as CoronaVac , is still in phase 3 clinical trials in Brazil and has not been @ @ @ @ @ Brazil , Anvisa said .

The vaccine, known as CoronaVac, is still in phase 3 clinical trials in Brazil and has not been registered for wider use in Brazil, Anvisa said.
RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's health regulator Anvisa said in a statement on Friday it authorized Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute biomedical center to import 6 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by China's Sinovac .


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Global watchdog keeps Pakistan on terrorism financing "grey list"

A global dirty money watchdog decided on Friday to keep Pakistan on its `` grey list , '' despite progress @ @ @ @ @ anti-terrorism financing norms .
In a statement , the Financial Action Task Force urged Pakistan @ @ @ @ @ action plan by February 2021 .

A global dirty money watchdog decided on Friday to keep Pakistan on its "grey list," despite progress by Islamabad on meeting international anti-terrorism financing norms.
In a statement, the Financial Action Task Force urged Pakistan to complete an internationally agreed action plan by February 2021.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Blast causes fire at petrochemical plant in southwest Iran

An explosion caused a blaze in an aromatics unit of a petrochemicals plant in southwestern Iran on Friday and was @ @ @ @ @ broadcaster IRIB reported .
Firefighters from the petrochemicals plant near the port of Bandar Imam @ @ @ @ @ responded to contain the blaze and there were no injuries , IRIB said on its @ @ @ @

An explosion caused a blaze in an aromatics unit of a petrochemicals plant in southwestern Iran on Friday and was brought under control, state broadcaster IRIB reported.
Firefighters from the petrochemicals plant near the port of Bandar Imam Khomeini and regional fire teams responded to contain the blaze and there were no injuries, IRIB said on its social media feed.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Palestinians assaulted by Israeli settlers near Yitzhar

A group of Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians in Burin village near Yitzhar on Friday, at around midday, Walla reported.The initial report, by Yesh Din, specified that four farmers were injured and were hospitalized at Nablus Hospital.According to the report, a group arrived from Yitzhar and assaulted the Palestinians who were working at the time.One farmer's car windshield was also broken during the assault.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Edelstein to request increase in fines for COVID-19 violations

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein will request that the fines for coronavirus guideline violations will increase, N12 reported.According to the report, the fine for opening a business or public space will double to NIS 10,000, the fine for holding an event will triple to NIS 15,000 and opening an educational institution against regulations will stand at NIS 25,000, a five-time increase from its current cost.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Dutch daily coronavirus cases hit nearly 10,000

The number of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands jumped by nearly 10,000 in 24 hours , hitting a new record @ @ @ @ @ National Institute for Public Health ( RIVM ) on Friday showed .
The government imposed @ @ @ @ @ the spread on Oct 14 , including the closure of all bars and restaurants in @ @ @

The number of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands jumped by nearly 10,000 in 24 hours, hitting a new record, data released by the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) on Friday showed.
The government imposed partial lockdown measures to contain the spread on Oct 14, including the closure of all bars and restaurants in the country.


jerusalempost--2020-10-23--Swiss report record 6,634 new COVID infections, 10 deaths

Switzerland set a record for new COVID-19 infections on Friday , joining around 50 other nations where total cases exceed @ @ @ @ @ wave engulfs the country of 8.6 million people and stretches testing and tracing to their @ @ @ @ @ in Switzerland and tiny neighboring principality Liechtenstein rose by 6,634 to 103,653 , and the @ @ @ @ @ to 1,877 , Swiss health officials said .
On Wednesday , Switzerland reported 5,596 new @ @ @ @ @ .

Switzerland set a record for new COVID-19 infections on Friday, joining around 50 other nations where total cases exceed 100,000 as a second coronavirus wave engulfs the country of 8.6 million people and stretches testing and tracing to their limits.
Total confirmed cases in Switzerland and tiny neighboring principality Liechtenstein rose by 6,634 to 103,653, and the death toll rose by 10 to 1,877, Swiss health officials said. On Wednesday, Switzerland reported 5,596 new infections, the previous record.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Istanbul mayor Imamoglu in hospital after positive coronavirus test

Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu said on Saturday he has been hospitalised after testing positive for coronavirus and suffering a fever."Yesterday evening around 9 p.m. I got a fever and with a temperature of 38 degrees. I came and spent the night in hospital," he said in a video apparently filmed in a hospital room."Now I am actually well. My fever is not bad. The process is continuing. There is nothing that can be viewed as negative in a medical sense," he added.Istanbul's American Hospital said in a statement that Imamoglu, an opponent of President Tayyip Erdogan, was admitted at 10 p.m. (1900 GMT) after displaying symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. It said he tested positive for coronavirus and his treatment was continuing.Imamoglu, from the secularist Republican People's Party (CHP), was elected mayor in a re-run election in June 2019 in what was at the time a blow to Erdogan and his ruling AK Party.Since then, there have been sporadic tensions between his municipality and the central government, including disputes over fundraising and measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic in the early stages of the outbreak


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Number of Armenian troops killed in Karabakh conflict rises by 36 to 963

The defense ministry of Nagorno-Karabakh said on Saturday that the number of Armenian troops killed in the latest conflict in the region that began on Sept. 27 had risen by 36 to 963, the Interfax news agency reported.The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires has dimmed hopes for a quick end to fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory in Azerbaijan controlled by ethnic Armenians.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Firefighters struggle to contain fire in Julis, northern Israel

Firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading towards residential buildings , but have not yet managed to contain it @

Firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading towards residential buildings, but have not yet managed to contain it.
Five firefighter teams and four aircraft were dispatched on Saturday to a fire that broke out in the Druze village of Julis in northern Israel.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--17-year-old dies after taking part in brawl in northern Israel

According to police , the young man was critically injured and later died after being evacuated to the hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ in the brawl were arrested .

According to police, the young man was critically injured and later died after being evacuated to the hospital. Seven suspects who were involved in the brawl were arrested.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--US sanctions Russian institute linked to dangerous malware


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Brazil reports 432 new coronavirus deaths on Saturday

The South American nation has now registered 156,903 total coronavirus deaths and 4,817,898 total confirmed cases
Brazil has registered 432 additional coronavirus deaths over the last 24 hours and 26,979 new cases, the health ministry said on Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Mexico reports 6,025 new coronavirus cases, 431 more deaths

Mexico 's health ministry reported on Saturday 6,025 additional cases of the novel coronavirus and 431 more deaths in the @ @ @ @ @ number of cases to 886,800 and the death toll to 88,743 .
Health officials have @ @ @ @ @ infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases .

Mexico's health ministry reported on Saturday 6,025 additional cases of the novel coronavirus and 431 more deaths in the country, bringing the official number of cases to 886,800 and the death toll to 88,743.
Health officials have said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Four Israelis arrested in Ukraine for attempting to smuggle cocaine

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Four Israeli citizens were arrested in Odessa after smuggling about 120 kilograms of cocaine from Peru to Ukraine, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Unexploded pipe bomb thrown at Kalandiya checkpoint, no injuries

A number of unexploded pipe bombs were thrown at Kalandiya checkpoint in the West Bank .
A police sapper was @ @ @ @ @ the crossing is now closed .

A number of unexploded pipe bombs were thrown at Kalandiya checkpoint in the West Bank. A police sapper was called to the scene and the crossing is now closed.
No damage and casualties were reported, Border Police forces are now working to check the area.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Jaffa residents protest, start fires near French ambassador's residence

Hundreds of Jaffa residents gathered to protest near the home of the French ambassador to Israel, setting trash cans on fire and a stone being thrown at a bus, Ynet reported.The fires reportedly occurred following dispersal of the protesters, though no one was hurt, according to Ynet.The protests were sparked by French President Emmanuel Macron's recent comments where he refused to condemn a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammad after the beheading of a French school teacher.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Coronavirus in Israel: 692 diagnosed with coronavirus on Friday

The coronavirus cabinet is expected to reconvene Sunday to make a final decision about whether schools can open in a week and, if so, with or without capsules for grades 1 and 2.The Education, Health and Finance ministries met throughout the weekend, but the meetings ended with no agreement. Some officials said they even took steps backwards. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that he expected a compromise to be made and that the ministries would continue meeting until late into the night."We are interested in opening schools, but there are challenges, problems and questions that we have to discuss," he said.Last week, a battle over when and how schools will open for children in grades 1-4 started after the Health Ministry said that if classes resume, children will be required to learn in capsules beginning in first grade, all teachers and students will need to wear masks, and there can be no mixing of students – even on buses or in after-school programming.At a visit to Umm Al-Fahm on Saturday, coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu reiterated his opposition to opening first and second grades without capsules.Originally, capsules only started beginning in grade 3.Education Minister Yoav Gallant, however, said that it would take as long as five weeks to roll out such a program, and therefore classrooms could not open on November 1, as hoped. He also said it would require around NIS 6 billion, which the Finance Ministry said it will not pay.Over the weekend, Haim Bibas, chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to turn the education system over the local authorities. He said that they could open schools on time - five days per week and maybe not with the exact programs that existed before coronavirus - but within the safety outline that the Health Ministry is requesting.A final decision is supposed to be made Sunday at the coronavirus cabinet meeting.At the same time, the government is expected to approve a decision by the Health and Education ministries on Friday that schools could start hosting outdoor educational activities for up to nine students at a time, so long as schools follow a safe protocol.Activities will need to take place in consistent groups with permanent staff members and children. A teacher could float between up to three groups.Participants will be asked to wear masks at all times - unless eating, drinking or playing sports. Meals will be eaten separately. Social distancing is also required.A release by the Education Ministry said that the regulations will be submitted to the government and, if approved, they will be formally distributed to schools, which could immediately start offering such programs.The country continues to see a decline in coronavirus cases: 692 people were diagnosed with the virus on Friday, the Health Ministry said Saturday evening. Out of the 27,481 people tested, some 2.5% tested positive.There were 552 patients in serious condition, including 218 who were intubated. So far, the coronavirus has claimed 2,366 lives - including nine between midnight and press time on Saturday."The difficult restrictions helped us to decrease the rate of infection," the prime minister said. But he warned that if the rate goes up, the restrictions will once again go up, as well. "We have no choice but to ensure life."He added that, "I am not prepared to accept that some of the public will follow the guidelines and some will not. I will propose tomorrow to increase fines [for breaking regulations] dramatically."He said, "We cannot become complacent."There are some communities, however, that are starting to see a spike again and they are mostly Arab towns and cities.Gazmu and head of Public Health Services, Sharon Alroy-Preis, visited Umm Al-Fahm to discuss the challenge. The city has seen an increase in morbidity - about 12% of people being screened for the virus have tested positive for the virus in recent days - and is on the cusp of becoming red and facing closure.“Go and get tested,” Gamzu said during the visit, “only then can we control the situation. Otherwise, you cannot eliminate the virus - you don’t find [the sick] and they circulate among you.”The number of people in the Arab sector being screened had gone up during the lockdown but has since declined.He and Ayam Saif, coronavirus project coordinator for Israel’s Arab sector, both condemned the community for allowing weddings and said that illegal gatherings would only lead to lockdown.“You want commerce, you want a small wedding in an open space, he wants school - you cannot open a school with 12% testing positive. Why? Because the children will come to school infected and there are 30 children in the class,” Gamzu said.The mayor of the town corrected Gamzu that there are 40 children in a class.Gamzu added that it is not only in the Arab sector where there are violations, but also in the Jewish sectors, where young adults hold raves and infect each other. “The police tell me, ‘Look, so and so weddings were here or there,’ and I say to them, ‘wait 10 days, two weeks - the sick people will surface.“If the residents do not keep the rules, then in Umm al-Fahm and in other cities there will be a lockdown in two weeks.”There are at least two Arab cities that are already considered red, including Majdal Shams, which Gamzu said he is planning to request the ministerial committee vote to lockdown on Sunday.There are also another 11 Arab cities that are already orange, on the verge of turning red.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Netanyahu: The Middle East is changing, more countries will follow Sudan

At a press conference Saturday night , Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said `` The map of the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ connecting to the whole world .
`` His statement follows a normalization agreement with Sudan @ @ @ @ @ that normalizing ties with Sudan will `` be good for our pockets , '' implying @ @ @ @ @ from the agreement.Netanyahu presented a map and showed how , thanks to Sudan normalizing ties @ @ @ @ @ Israeli planes could fly above that country heading to Brazil and South America on a @ @ @ @ @ `` save many flying hours and so lots of money . ''
He also pointed @ @ @ @ @ allow for a similar ease of travel for Israeli planes heading to the Far East @

At a press conference Saturday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said "The map of the Middle East is changing. Israel is connecting to the whole world."His statement follows a normalization agreement with Sudan.He also told reporters that normalizing ties with Sudan will "be good for our pockets," implying that economic benefits will come from the agreement.Netanyahu presented a map and showed how, thanks to Sudan normalizing ties with the Jewish State, Israeli planes could fly above that country heading to Brazil and South America on a faster route.Netanyahu said it would "save many flying hours and so lots of money." He also pointed out that the Abraham Accords allow for a similar ease of travel for Israeli planes heading to the Far East.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 42.28 million, death toll at 1,144,689

More than 42.28 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1,144,689 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--2020-10-24--26-year-old tourist arrested on suspicion of raping elderly woman

A 26-year-old tourist was arrested last night for raping an 83-year-old woman in a garbage room in Bat Yam .
@ @ @ @ @ in the act of sexually assaulting the victim using severe violence , despite her pleas @ @ @ @ @ to Wolfson Hospital for treatment .
The detainee will be brought to the Magistrate 's @ @ @ @ @ night , where the police will request an extension of his detention .

A 26-year-old tourist was arrested last night for raping an 83-year-old woman in a garbage room in Bat Yam.
He was caught by police in the act of sexually assaulting the victim using severe violence, despite her pleas.
The victim was taken to Wolfson Hospital for treatment. The detainee will be brought to the Magistrate's Court in Tel Aviv Saturday night, where the police will request an extension of his detention.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--UN commissioner: Release hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories , Michael Link , called on Israel Saturday to @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative , who is currently engaged in a hunger strike .
Link @ @ @ @ @ using administrative detention , which he says does not comply with international law .

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, Michael Link, called on Israel Saturday to release Maher al-Akhars, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative, who is currently engaged in a hunger strike.
Link also demanded that Israel stop using administrative detention, which he says does not comply with international law.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Israeli settlers throw stones and assault Palestinian farmers

A group of Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian farmers and stole their equipment in the village of Kalil Saturday @ @ @ @ @ according to a Yesh Din report .
The organization said the the attack came a @ @ @ @ @ attack .

A group of Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian farmers and stole their equipment in the village of Kalil Saturday in the West Bank, according to a Yesh Din report.
The organization said the the attack came a few hours after a similar attack.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Firefighting planes combat forest fire in Galilee area

Fire and rescue teams were called to the scene , and are working with six firefighting planes to take control @ @ @ @ @ it from spreading towards other the towns .

Fire and rescue teams were called to the scene, and are working with six firefighting planes to take control of the fire and prevent it from spreading towards other the towns.
Firefighting planes arrived in the Galilee area to combat a fire that broke out near the towns of Majd al-Krum, Deir al-Assad and Kibbutz Tuval, according to a Ynet news report Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Saudi-led coalition destroys drone launched by Yemen's Houthis

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi movement said it intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone launched towards Saudi Arabia's southern region by the Houthis on Friday, the state news agency SPA said on Saturday.There was no immediate comment from the Houthi movement.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--UAE welcomes permanent ceasefire agreement in Libya

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday welcomed the permanent ceasefire agreement between Libya’s warring factions, a Foreign Ministry statement said.It added that a political solution under UN supervision was the only way to end the conflict in Libya.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--At least 13 killed in suicide bombing at Kabul education center

At least 13 people were killed in a suicide bombing at an education center in Kabul on Saturday , Afghan @ @ @ @ @ , a health ministry spokesman , said 13 bodies had been recovered and 30 injured @ @ @ @ @ ambulance to hospitals , and the number of casualties might rise .

At least 13 people were killed in a suicide bombing at an education center in Kabul on Saturday, Afghan officials said.
Saeed Jami, a health ministry spokesman, said 13 bodies had been recovered and 30 injured people had been transported by ambulance to hospitals, and the number of casualties might rise.
The interior ministry said the blast was caused by a suicide bombing, and the target was the Kawsar-e Danish educational center. A spokesman for Taliban insurgents denied responsibility for the attack.


jerusalempost--2020-10-24--Five children killed in attack on Cameroonian school, say officials

Five children were killed and others wounded in an attack on a school in the city of Kumba in Cameroon's Southwest region, where a separatist insurgency is operating, a regional official and local official told Reuters.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--4 Israeli citizens arrested in Ukraine for smuggling 120kg. of cocaine

Four Israeli citizens were arrested in Odessa after smuggling about 120 kilograms of cocaine from Peru to Ukraine , according @ @ @ @ @ Internal Affairs .


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Hamas delegation heads to Cairo to discuss regional issues

The delegation was headed by Saleh Al-Arouri , Deputy Head of Hamas 's political bureau , who was joined by @ @ @ @ @ , and Rouhi Mushtaha , members of the political bureau .

The delegation was headed by Saleh Al-Arouri, Deputy Head of Hamas's political bureau, who was joined by Izzat Al-Rishq, Khalil Al-Hayya, and Rouhi Mushtaha, members of the political bureau.
A Hamas delegation left the Gaza Strip for Cairo on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations, mutual interests, regional politics, the humanitarian situation in Gaza and developments between Gaza and Israel, among other topics.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--US disease expert Fauci says vaccine verdict due by early December

`` We will know whether a vaccine is safe and effective by the end of November , the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ the BBC .

US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said on Sunday it would be clear whether a COVID-19 vaccine was safe and effective by early December, but that more widespread vaccination would not be likely until later in 2021.
"We will know whether a vaccine is safe and effective by the end of November, the beginning of December," Fauci told the BBC.
"When you talk about vaccinating a substantial proportion of the population, so that you can have a significant impact on the dynamics of the outbreak, that very likely will not be until the second or third quarter of the year."


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Yamina's Naftali Bennett to undergo surgery on Monday

Bennett thanked supporters for their support and promised he would `` be back soon with all his power and full @ @ @ @ @ citizens of Israel , overcome the coronavirus crisis . ''

Bennett thanked supporters for their support and promised he would "be back soon with all his power and full force to help you, citizens of Israel, overcome the coronavirus crisis."
Yamina MK Naftali Bennett will undergo surgery on Monday for a back injury he's suffered from for 30 years since his time in the IDF, Bennett announced in a video on Sunday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Coronavirus in IDF: 424 infected, 2,992 in quarantine

Some 424 soldiers and staff in the IDF were infected with the novel coronavirus as of Sunday morning, with one soldier in moderate condition. Some 2,992 soldiers are in quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--UK considers reducing quarantine period for COVID-19 contacts - report

Like many other European countries , the UK is facing a surge in infections .
It has so far reported @ @ @ @ @ deaths , according to a Reuters tally .

Officials in the UK government's coronavirus task force are considering reducing to seven or 10 days from 14 days the period that people must quarantine if they have been in contact with people infected with the illness, Sky News reported on Sunday.
Like many other European countries, the UK is facing a surge in infections. It has so far reported 884,457 coronavirus cases with 44,795 deaths, according to a Reuters tally.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Classes at Hebrew University disrupted due to technical issues

The university is working to return the systems to operation as quickly as possible .
Similar issues were reported at @ @ @ @ @ colleges and the Academic College of Tel Aviv–Yafo , according to Maariv , The Jerusalem @ @ @ @ @

The university is working to return the systems to operation as quickly as possible. Similar issues were reported at the Beit Berl and Sapir colleges and the Academic College of Tel Aviv–Yafo, according to Maariv, The Jerusalem Post's sister newspaper.
Classes at the Hebrew University were disrupted on Sunday morning due to technical issues in the university's computer systems.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Turkey extends exploration in disputed Mediterranean area to Nov. 4

NATO members Turkey and Greece are locked in a dispute over the extent of their continental shelves and conflicting claims @ @ @ @ @ eastern Mediterranean .
The row erupted in August when Turkey sent Oruc Reis into waters @ @ @ @ @ Cyprus .
Along with two other ships , the Ataman and Cengiz Han , Oruc @ @ @ @ @ an area south of the Greek island of Rhodes until Nov. 4 , a Turkish @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
A previous notice scheduled survey work in the area until Oct. 27 @ @ @ @ @ last month to allow for diplomacy before a European Union summit , where Cyprus sought @ @ @ @ @ was sent back this month , prompting an angry response from Greece , France and @ @

Turkey said it was extending the seismic survey work of its Oruc Reis ship in a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean until Nov. 4, taking a step which was set to fuel tensions in the region.
NATO members Turkey and Greece are locked in a dispute over the extent of their continental shelves and conflicting claims to hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean.
The row erupted in August when Turkey sent Oruc Reis into waters also claimed by Greece and Cyprus.
Along with two other ships, the Ataman and Cengiz Han, Oruc Reis will continue work in an area south of the Greek island of Rhodes until Nov. 4, a Turkish naval maritime notice said late on Saturday.
A previous notice scheduled survey work in the area until Oct. 27.
Ankara withdrew Oruc Reis last month to allow for diplomacy before a European Union summit, where Cyprus sought sanctions against Turkey. It was sent back this month, prompting an angry response from Greece, France and Germany.
After the summit, the bloc said it would punish Turkey if it continued its operations in the region, in a move Ankara said further strained Turkey-EU ties. Turkey says its operations are within its continental shelf.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Fire breaks out at honey factory in North

A fire broke out Saturday night at a honey factory near Shlomi in Israel's North, Walla reported.Fire fighters are working to evacuate residents from their homes. At the time of writing, two buildings were ablaze, with the smoke blocking roads.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Morocco condemns publication of Prophet Mohammad cartoons – statement

Morocco's foreign ministry said on Sunday the continuing publication of "offensive" cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad is an act of provocation.French media published the caricatures of the Prophet, which were also projected on some buildings, after the beheading of a French professor by an Islamist radical earlier this month.While condemning savage acts perpetrated in the name of Islam, "Morocco denounces these provocations offending the sacredness of the Islamic religion," the foreign ministry said in a statement.France has faced a backlash from a number of Muslim countries over the cartoons, including boycotts of French products.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Majdal Shams declared a 'restricted area' from Monday until Saturday

The Ministerial Committee for the Declaration of a Restricted Area on Sunday evening approved the Health Ministry 's recommendation to @ @ @ @ @ area starting from Monday , October 26 , at 6:00 PM , until Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ .
The decision was made in accordance with the morbidity data in the region , @ @ @ @ @ days the town received a score of 8 or higher in Israel 's 'traffic light @ @ @ @ @ to deal with the increasing infection rates in the town .

The Ministerial Committee for the Declaration of a Restricted Area on Sunday evening approved the Health Ministry's recommendation to declare Majdal Shams a restricted area starting from Monday, October 26, at 6:00 PM, until Saturday, October 31 at 6:00 PM.
The decision was made in accordance with the morbidity data in the region, which showed that for five days the town received a score of 8 or higher in Israel's 'traffic light' index, in order to deal with the increasing infection rates in the town.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Grades 1-2 to study 3 days a week, 3-4 to study in capsules

The Ministerial Committee for the Declaration of Restricted Areas approved the recommendation of the Health Ministry and the coronavirus commissioner @ @ @ @ @ Majdal Shams a restricted area starting Monday at 6:00 p.m. until October 31 at 6:00 @ @ @ @ @ accordance with the increasing morbidity data in the town , that for five days the @ @ @ @ @ eight in the traffic light index .

After a long day of stormy debates, the coronavirus cabinet decided that first-fourth grades will go back to school on November 1.First and second graders will study three days a week in capsules and third and fourth graders will study a full week in capsules.Businesses will also open on November 1, according to an agreement between the Health Ministry and the Finance Ministry. The issues of afternoon programs and transportation will be decided Monday between the two ministries, mediated by the National Security Council
WATCH: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks at the start of the Cabinet meeting. (English captions available)Full remarks >>https://t.co/vMm5reSYYA pic.twitter.com/KXvpLALA5n — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 25, 2020
The Ministerial Committee for the Declaration of Restricted Areas approved the recommendation of the Health Ministry and the coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu to declare Majdal Shams a restricted area starting Monday at 6:00 p.m. until October 31 at 6:00 p.m. This is in accordance with the increasing morbidity data in the town, that for five days the area passed the score of eight in the traffic light index.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said at the corona cabinet: meeting "I believe that fines should be raised upwards, and that action should be taken resolutely against those who violate the guidelines, whether it is weddings, events or anything else that causes mass infection."Frustrated parents anxious to know whether and when they can send their children back to school had to wait until nearly 10 p.m. to get answers.The cabinet resolved that opening of afternoon programs for children and businesses will be discussed tomorrow between the Health and Finance ministries, and that the National Security Council would mediate between the two sides.The Health Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office announced early Sunday evening that it would extend the existing restrictions on the economy until next Sunday. The cabinet did decide to allow outdoor educational activities with up to 15 participants and the opening of boarding schools for at-risk youth.However, the Health, Education and Finance ministries could not align on a plan for sending children in first and second grade back to school. At press time, it appeared likely that first and second graders would return to school on November 1 in capsules, each capsule learning for half the week. Third and fourth graders would go to school a full week in capsules.Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said that the bottom line of any proposal was that people would have to follow regulations: “Don’t use the word ‘enforcement.’ There is nothing to expect from enforcement.”Education Minister Yoav Gallant warned that “We need to understand that postponing the decision for a week is postponing the implementation for a week. We need preparation time.”This proposal poses a dilemma for parents, many of whom will still not be able to return to work full time and will have to spend at least half the week caring for their children.Interior Minister Arye Deri said during the coronavirus cabinet deliberations: “The cabinet must make a decision tonight regarding students in grades one through four – it can no longer be put off. I suggest that first and second grades will open fully, while third and fourth grades will open in capsules. Maybe pupils in first and second grades will be required to wear masks. Whatever is decided, the whole cabinet should take responsibility for it.”The Education Ministry released statistics saying that 332 preschoolers tested positive for the virus out of 592,000 and that 56 preschools were closed due to outbreaks of infection out of 21,000.Medical experts, like the ministries, had differing opinions about what should be done. The Israel Medical Association, citing a rise in depression and behavioral disorders among children, called Sunday for an immediate reopening of the schools and warned of damage to children if the schools remained closed.Head of Public Health Services Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis warned that if the education system and businesses were opened too quickly, it would “lead to a third lockdown.”And Coronavirus Commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu said that “we want a safer opening… Some of the class sizes are extremely large and we saw the rise in infection last time among all ages.”But Dr. Ze’ev Feldman, director of the Sheba Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit and chairman of the State Physicians Association, said that, “If the State of Israel wants life and wants to prevent the third closure, which could be particularly deadly – both health-wise and economically – then it is worth adopting the recommendations that include learning in capsules, learning in the open air or using technologies for improving and filtering air, and systematic monitoring of teachers.”Finance Minister Yisrael Katz met on Sunday with Haim Bibas, chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, who presented an outline for allowing local authorities to take over schools and return children to schools at little to no extra cost.The outline Bibas presented calls for a return of first and second graders to school until 1 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, in classes divided into capsules as required by the Health Ministry. But unlike previously proposed plans from the ministry for a gradual and partial return to school, this plan does not require any budget increase and will be implemented through the use of gyms and outdoor spaces, and flexibility in the curriculum and staffing.However, the challenge with giving local authorities the charge of carrying out safe programs is that some will be able to and others won’t and it could create further gaps in learning.The Finance Ministry has said the Health Ministry’s capsule program would cost NIS 6 billion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that there is no money for capsules in first and second grades.There were also no decisions on the opening up the economy further, including stores and small businesses. If approved, beginning on Sunday, up to five people could enter every business, street shops would open and “takeaway” would be possible from any store. Also, salons and cosmeticians could open – and one-on-one sports and other training, such as driving lessons, could resume. Finally, alternative medicine would be offered again.“I demand a decision on businesses,” Katz said during the meeting. But more than four hours later, no decision had been reached.However, there was one decision that was made by the cabinet: The Tourism Ministry’s initiative to define the city of Eilat and the Dead Sea area as “green tourism islands” was approved.According to the outline, the city of Eilat and the hotel complex surrounding the Dead Sea will be defined as “special tourist areas.”Entry into the green tourist areas, which house around 30% of the country’s hotel rooms, will be conditional on the presentation of an up-to-date negative coronavirus test. The outline will allow the opening of hotels there while adhering to Health Ministry distancing guidelines.At a later stage, more gradually, the law that will be enacted will allow the opening of more businesses in the areas, which will serve the hotel guests.Meanwhile, in the Arab sector, there continues to be a spike in morbidity.Gamzu, who visited Acre Sunday, said that infection rates were on the rise in Arab cities. He criticized the Arab sector for continuing to hold large weddings, saying, “There are likely dozens of weddings every day in Arab communities.”He also warned about the fact that not enough tests were being done in Arab and haredi (ultra-Orthodox) communities.Gamzu, who also spoke in the formerly red ultra-Orthodox city of Rehasim on Sunday, said that for the haredim, as well as for the rest of society, the greatest challenge is how to open the schools.He praised the ultra-Orthodox community for following regulations and reducing the rate of infection. “You’re a community that can control the virus in an excellent way and you have great foundations… The challenge for you is not synagogues but the education framework… there must be a careful opening of education,” he said.Gamzu did not address the fact that, according to reports, more than half of ultra-Orthodox schools have already opened, against regulations.Gamzu also announced Sunday that the quarantine period will be only 10 days if someone has had two negative tests.There was a proposal Sunday to increase fines on opening businesses from NIS 5,000 to NIS 10,000, for holding gatherings from NIS 5,000 to NIS 15,000 and for opening schools from NIS 5,000 to NIS 25,000. However, the increases were also not finalized by press time.Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--France reports new daily record of over 50,000 coronavirus infections

It also said that 116 people had died from coronavirus infection over the past 24 hours , compared to from @ @ @ @

France registered 52,010 new confirmed coronavirus cases in past 24 hours, following a record 45,422 on Saturday, the health ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
It also said that 116 people had died from coronavirus infection over the past 24 hours, compared to from 137 on Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Pakistani PM writes to Facebook CEO seeking ban on Islamophobic content

In the letter , shared by the Pakistani government on Twitter , Khan said that `` growing Islamophobia '' is @ @ @ @ @ across the world '' - especially through social media platforms such as Facebook .

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has written a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg seeking a ban on Islamophobic content on the social networking site, the government said on Sunday.
In the letter, shared by the Pakistani government on Twitter, Khan said that "growing Islamophobia" is encouraging extremism and violence "across the world" - especially through social media platforms such as Facebook.
"I would ask you to place a similar ban on Islamophobia and hate against Islam for Facebook that you have put in place for the Holocaust," Khan said.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Israel to start COVID-19 vaccine human trials on Nov. 1

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The Israel Institute for Biological Research on Sunday announced it will begin human trials of its coronavirus vaccine, Brilife , next week. The vaccine has received all necessary approvals from the Health Ministry and the Helsinki Committee for medical experiments on humans.“This is a day of hope for the citizens of Israel,” Defense Minister Benny Gantz said. “Just two months ago, I received the first bottle of the vaccine. Today, we already have 25,000 vaccine doses.”“I would like to thank the dozens of researchers who worked day and night on this national mission,” he said. “In this complex period, you are the unit that paves the way for the citizens of Israel.”IIBR director Prof. Shmuel Shapira said this is an “important and crucial stage” in the development of the vaccine.“I am confident in our vaccine,” he said. “I believe in it and in the ability of the institute scientists who developed it.”The Phase I human trial will last several months and be conducted on 80 health volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer and Jerusalem’s Hadassah-University Medical Center.The trial will kick off on November 1 with two volunteers. Depending on their responses, the others will gradually receive the vaccine candidate – 40 people at each medical center. Each volunteer will receive an injection, but some will receive a placebo.Each volunteer will be monitored over the course of three weeks to determine if there are any side effects caused by the vaccine. Researchers will also examine whether volunteers develop antibodies to coronavirus, which leads to immunity.When Phase I is completed, if successful, Phase II will commence, testing the vaccine on 960 healthy volunteers over the age of 18. Phase II is expected to begin in December at medical centers across the country. That phase is meant to complete safety tests and pinpoint the right doses, as well as to continue to gauge effectiveness.If the first two phases are successful, a Phase III trial of 30,000 volunteers will begin next April or May for the final stage. Once completed, the vaccine can be approved, and the population can be vaccinated against the virus.IIBR’s vaccine candidate is based on a well-known method of vaccination, the institute has said. What is new is the use of a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) – a type of virus that does not cause diseases in humans. Through genetic engineering, proteins are attached to the VSV virus to form coronavirus “crowns” that are identified by the body as COVID-19. As a result, the body produces antibodies against it.The N12 news site reported Sunday night that the vaccine was tested on pigs and found effective.IIBR has been preparing for several years for an unknown threat such as this one. As part of the scientific preparation, the institute purchased and set up a national infrastructure for rapid identification of epidemic pathogens and developed tools for rapid vaccine planning in response to outbreaks.Animal models have been put in place to test the safety and efficacy of vaccines and treatments. New infrastructure has been developed and established for rapid and efficient production, amounting to millions of vaccines, under stringent regulatory conditions.The institute has the ability to produce 15 million doses.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Putin rejects Donald Trump's criticism of Biden family business

Putin was responding to comments made by Trump during televised debates with Democratic challenger Joe Biden ahead of the Nov. 3 election .
Trump , who is trailing in opinion polls , has used the debates to make accusations that Biden and his son Hunter engaged in unethical practices in Ukraine .
No evidence has been verified to support the allegations , and Joe Biden has called them false and discredited .
Putin , who has praised Trump in the past for saying he wanted better ties with Moscow , has said Russia will work with any U.S. leader , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` sharp anti-Russian rhetoric . ''
Putin appeared less friendly towards Trump in remarks broadcast by Russian state TV on Sunday .
In what may be seen by some analysts as an attempt to try to curry favor with the Biden camp , he took the time to knock down what he made clear he regarded as false allegations from Trump about the Bidens .
`` Yes , in Ukraine he ( Hunter Biden ) had or maybe still has a business , I do n't know .
It does n't concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainians , '' said Putin .
`` But well yes he had at least one company , which he practically headed up , and judging from everything he made good money .
I do n't see anything criminal about this , at least we do n't know anything about this ( being criminal ) . ''
Putin also reacted with visible irritation when asked about comments Trump has made concerning Putin 's ties to the former mayor of Moscow , and to an alleged payment made to Hunter Biden by the ex-mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing about the existence of any commercial relationship between Hunter and the woman .
Joe Biden says the accusation about his son is not true .
U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia tried to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election to tilt the contest in Trump 's favor , an allegation Moscow has denied .
Russia has also dismissed accusations by U.S. intelligence agencies of trying to interfere with this year 's election too .

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that he saw nothing criminal in Hunter Biden's past business ties with Ukraine or Russia, marking out his disagreement with one of Donald Trump's attack lines in the U.S. presidential election.
Putin was responding to comments made by Trump during televised debates with Democratic challenger Joe Biden ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Trump, who is trailing in opinion polls, has used the debates to make accusations that Biden and his son Hunter engaged in unethical practices in Ukraine. No evidence has been verified to support the allegations, and Joe Biden has called them false and discredited.
Putin, who has praised Trump in the past for saying he wanted better ties with Moscow, has said Russia will work with any U.S. leader, while noting what he called Joe Biden's "sharp anti-Russian rhetoric."
Putin appeared less friendly towards Trump in remarks broadcast by Russian state TV on Sunday. In what may be seen by some analysts as an attempt to try to curry favor with the Biden camp, he took the time to knock down what he made clear he regarded as false allegations from Trump about the Bidens.
"Yes, in Ukraine he (Hunter Biden) had or maybe still has a business, I don't know. It doesn't concern us. It concerns the Americans and the Ukrainians," said Putin.
"But well yes he had at least one company, which he practically headed up, and judging from everything he made good money. I don't see anything criminal about this, at least we don't know anything about this (being criminal)."
Putin also reacted with visible irritation when asked about comments Trump has made concerning Putin's ties to the former mayor of Moscow, and to an alleged payment made to Hunter Biden by the ex-mayor's widow. Putin said he knew nothing about the existence of any commercial relationship between Hunter and the woman. Joe Biden says the accusation about his son is not true.
U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia tried to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election to tilt the contest in Trump's favor, an allegation Moscow has denied. Russia has also dismissed accusations by U.S. intelligence agencies of trying to interfere with this year's election too.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--US CDC reports 224,221 total deaths from coronavirus

The CDC reported its tally of COVID-19 cases as of 4 p.m .
ET on Oct. 24 versus its previous @ @ @ @ @ ( https : //bit.ly/31Dqz4H )

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sunday reported 8,553,827 cases of new coronavirus, an increase of 83,851 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 828 to 224,221.
The CDC reported its tally of COVID-19 cases as of 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 24 versus its previous report a day earlier. (https://bit.ly/31Dqz4H)
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--France urges Middle Eastern countries to stop boycott of French products

The foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that in recent days there had been calls to boycott French products @ @ @ @ @ in several Middle Eastern countries as well as calls for demonstrations against France over the @ @ @ @ @ the Prophet Mohammad .
`` These calls for boycott are baseless and should stop immediately @ @ @ @ @ attacks against our country , which are being pushed by a radical minority , '' @ @ @ @

France on Sunday urged Middle Eastern countries to stop retail companies from boycotting French products.
The foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that in recent days there had been calls to boycott French products, notably food products, in several Middle Eastern countries as well as calls for demonstrations against France over the publication of satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.
"These calls for boycott are baseless and should stop immediately, as well as all attacks against our country, which are being pushed by a radical minority," the statement said.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Coronavirus cabinet extends lockdown measures until Sunday

Israel 's coronavirus cabinet on Sunday evening unanimously approved the extension of the country 's coronavirus lockdown restrictions until next @ @ @ @ @ at midnight.Following the approval , the Cabinet moved to discuss a possible outline for the @ @ @ @ @

Israel's coronavirus cabinet on Sunday evening unanimously approved the extension of the country's coronavirus lockdown restrictions until next Sunday, November 1, at midnight.Following the approval, the Cabinet moved to discuss a possible outline for the activities of educational institutions.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--UK records 19,790 new COVID-19 cases, 151 deaths

Britain recorded 19,790 new COVID-19 infections and 151 deaths on Sunday, official data showed.New cases dipped from Saturday's 23,012, and the number of deaths within 28 days of a positive test was also down slightly from 174 the previous day.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Italy reports new record of 21,273 coronavirus cases

Italy reported a new daily record of 21,273 coronavirus cases with 128 deaths, health ministry figures showed on Sunday as the government tightened restrictions further to try to bring the accelerating rise in case numbers under control.Earlier, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that bars and restaurants would have to close by 6 p.m. and said cinemas, gyms and swimming pools would be shut as part of a package of measures to combat the pandemic which is raging across Europe.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 42.76 million, death toll at 1,150,560

More than 42.76 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1,150,560 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--2020-10-25--Israel to send $5m. in wheat to Sudan

Israel to send $5m. in wheat to Sudan

Israel will send $5 million in wheat to Sudan, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday.The aid delivery, which Netanyahu said would take place immediately, was a first act of friendship after Israel and Sudan announced they were establishing diplomatic relations on Friday."We are looking forward to a warm peace and are sending $5 million worth of wheat immediately to our new friends in Sudan," Netanyahu tweeted. "Israel will be working closely with the USA to assist Sudan's transition."Susan's current government is a transitional one, working on a move to democracy, following dictator Omar al-Bashir's ouster in a military coup last year.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Israeli gov to allow foreigners to enter for work under strict conditions

Foreign nationals can be considered for entrance into Israel if they are fulfilling business obligations and traveling from designated "green" countries, according to Globes citing the Economy and Industry Ministry.Individuals with special permits will be granted entry into Israel with the new ease in restrictions, which were put in place in March during the onset of the coronavirus outbreak and effectively put a freeze on most international travel coming in and out of the country.Before now, only those visiting families, coming for funerals or attending school, along with medical officials, players participating in European sports competitions and diplomats were able to enter and exit the country freely, but were also required to obtain a permit to do so.The new plan to allow foreign nationals fulfilling business obligations into the country was formulated by the Economy and Industry Ministry, the Health Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Interior Ministry's Population and Immigration Authority, in a move that seems to have been initiated to keep the Israeli economy afloat and flowing.Under the plan, those entering the country will not be required to pass a COVID-19 test and will not need to isolate for two weeks once arriving in the country. Stays will be approved for up to seven days.The foreign citizens will need to fill out an application form approved by the CEO of their Israeli host company. The CEO will be asked to explain the reason for their visit. In order to qualify, the visit must be essential to the economy, be of a nature which cannot be done remotely, or would prevent an Israeli firm from suffering losses."Entry to Israel will be possible only for visitors who contribution to Israeli companies or is vital for the economy – and only in situations where it is not possible to conduct virtual meetings," the Economy and Industry Ministry said. "This is in order to allow the continued proper functioning of Israeli companies and to prevent damage to them or the economy during the coronavirus pandemic."Visitors will be required to not have spent any time in a ‘Red Country’ during the two weeks prior to their visit to Israel, but will be able to take a connecting flight through those counties providing they don’t leave the airport or stay in it for more than 12 hours. The terms 'Green' and 'Red' are used to describe countries with low or high rates of COVID-19 infections.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Gamzu visits Acre, warns of youth coronavirus spread

Gamzu warned that COVID-19 is a very sophisticated pandemic that spreads quietly and is especially prevalent among young people , @ @ @ @ @ the moment is to reduce the coefficient of infection among young people .
Gamzu also @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus detection no longer require a doctor 's referral .
`` The more the public @ @ @ @ @ we can cut off the chain of infection and reduce the morbidity , '' Prof. @ @ @

Gamzu warned that COVID-19 is a very sophisticated pandemic that spreads quietly and is especially prevalent among young people, and therefore the effort at the moment is to reduce the coefficient of infection among young people.
Gamzu also stressed that the tests for coronavirus detection no longer require a doctor's referral.
"The more the public is tested, the more we can cut off the chain of infection and reduce the morbidity," Prof. Gamzo said.
Israel's Coronavirus Commisioner, Prof. Ronni Gamzu visited the city of Acre on Sunday morning and met with Mayor Shimon Lankri, his deputies Zeev Neumann and Adam Jamal, the director general of the municipality, Yaniv Ashur and heads of administration.During the meeting, Gamzu complimented the city's handling of the virus, telling them to "continue [their] fantastic work."


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Bulgarian PM Borissov tests positive for coronavirus

In a posting on his official Facebook account , Borissov said he would stay at home for treatment as recommended @ @ @ @

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on Sunday he had tested positive for coronavirus after taking two tests.
In a posting on his official Facebook account, Borissov said he would stay at home for treatment as recommended by his doctors.
Borissov and three cabinet ministers had self-isolated on Friday following contact with a person who had tested positive for COVID-19. Health authorities had lifted Borissov's quarantine late on Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Netanyahu at coronavirus cabinet: We can't afford capsules for everyone

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the return of Israeli children to schools during the coronavirus pandemic, as the coronavirus cabinet was starting its meeting on Sunday afternoon."We don't have the capacity to fund capsules in 1st and 2nd grade classes," Netanyahu said.The meeting is expected to focus on similar issues, as disagreements regarding the return of the education system continue.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Irish deputy PM says COVID-19 vaccinations may begin before April 2021

The Irish government expects to be able to begin to vaccinate vulnerable people against COVID-19 in first quarter or first half of 2021, Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Sunday."I'm increasingly optimistic, as is government, that we will see a vaccine approved in the next couple of months and that in the first half or first quarter of next year it'll be possible to start vaccinating those most at risk," Varadkar told RTE radio.


jerusalempost--2020-10-25--Coronavirus cases in the Netherlands hit new daily record

The number of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands jumped by more than 10,000 in 24 hours, hitting a new record, data released by the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) on Sunday showed.
The RIVM reported 10,203 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The Dutch government imposed partial lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus on Oct. 14, including the closure of all bars and restaurants in the country.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Ayelet Shaked proposes dissolving Knesset, going to elections

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman called on Monday for a state commission of inquiry for both the Submarine Affair and the Israeli approval of the US sale of F35s to the United Arab Emirates."A serious state commission is needed to investigate the entire story, from beginning to end," Liberman told his Yisrael Beytenu faction meeting. "Either the prime minister or defense minister is lying, and it doesn't matter which one."At his Yesh Atid-Telem faction meeting, opposition leader Yair Lapid mocked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for telling his cabinet that Israel lacks funding for capsules for first and second grades and the cabinet decision for first and second-graders to go back to school only three days a week."The children are losing their minds," Lapid said. "The parents can't work. What will a parent who needs to go back to work do? Tell their employer that they're only working three times a week? If Netanyahu doesn't have the money to fund schools for our children, how does he have the ability to fund a government of 36 ministers? The ability to fund a Minister for Water and a made-up minister for strengthening made-up communities? How does he have the money to pay for a plane for himself at a cost of a billion shekels? If you don't have the money, why do you keep transferring billions in political bribes to your coalition partners?"Lapid said the current government is "the most wasteful and irresponsible government in the history of the State of Israel."Yamina MK Ayelet Shaked proposed a bill on Monday to dissolve the 23rd Knesset and head to elections, but she would have to wait 45 days for her bill to come to a vote in the Knesset. Other opposition parties have such bills already ready for a vote immediately.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Legionella found in coronavirus ward in Hasharon Hospital

The patients were transferred to Bellinson Medical Center .

The patients were transferred to Bellinson Medical Center.
Legionella bacteria were found in water in the coronavirus ward at Rabin Medical Center-Hasharon Campus on Monday. None of the patients are showing symptoms.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Switzerland report more than 17,000 new coronavirus cases over weekend

Coronavirus infections rose by 17,440 over the weekend, data from Swiss health authorities showed on Monday, as the government considers tightening restrictions meant to slow the accelerating spread of COVID-19.The total confirmed cases in Switzerland and tiny neighboring principality Liechtenstein rose to 121,093, and the death toll jumped by 37 to 1,914.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Malaysia reports 1,240 new coronavirus cases with seven new deaths

Malaysia's health ministry reported 1,240 new coronavirus cases on Monday, the biggest daily jump since the start of the pandemic, taking the total to 27,805 infections.The Southeast Asian country also recorded seven new deaths, raising its total number of fatalities to 236.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Air strikes on Syrian rebel camp kill 20 people

The rebel source said Russian strikes targeted the Failaq al-Sham faction in their base close to the border with Turkey @ @ @ @ @ UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at 34 , with dozens @ @ @ @ @ , backed by Russian air power , have driven rebels back to a pocket of @ @ @ @ @ than nine years of conflict triggered by protests against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011 .
@ @ @ @ @ into the region this year to stall the Syrian government advances and prevent an influx @ @ @ @ @ border region into Turkey .

Airstrikes on a camp in northwest Syria run by rebel fighters backed by Turkey killed at least 35 people and wounded scores on Monday, a war monitor and a rebel source said.
The rebel source said suspected Russian strikes targeted the Failaq al-Sham faction in their base close to the border with Turkey, killing 35 and injuring 50 others. Many remained missing, the source said.
There was no immediate comment from Moscow.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at 78, with scores wounded.
Syrian government forces, backed by Russian air power, have driven rebels back to a pocket of territory adjoining Turkey after more than nine years of conflict triggered by protests against President Bashar Assad in 2011.
Ankara sent thousands of troops into the region this year to stall the Syrian government advances and prevent an influx of refugees from the Idlib border region into Turkey.
Monday's airstrikes targeted the camp near Kafr Takharim, about 10 km (6 miles) from the Turkish border in Syria's Idlib province, the rebel fighter said.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--United States launches airstrike against Taliban in central Afghanistan

The airstrike in central Wardak province killed five Taliban fighters , Col. Sonny Leggett said in a Tweet on Monday @ @ @ @ @ was in line with its February withdrawal deal with the Taliban .

The United States carried out an airstrike against the insurgent Taliban in central Afghanistan on Sunday evening in order to defend Afghan security forces, the U.S. Forces spokesman said.
The airstrike in central Wardak province killed five Taliban fighters, Col. Sonny Leggett said in a Tweet on Monday, adding that the strike was in line with its February withdrawal deal with the Taliban.
The Taliban earlier this month accused the United States of violating the agreement - which the United States denies - when conducting airstrikes in southern Helmand province as the insurgents launched a major operation in a bid to take the provincial capital.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Saudi-Led coalition says intercepted drone launched by Yemen's Houthis

In recent days the coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed several explosive-laden drones launched by the Houthis .

The Saudi-led military coalition engaged in Yemen said on Monday it intercepted and destroyed an explosives-laden drones launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement towards Saudi Arabia, Saudi state news agency reported.
In recent days the coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed several explosive-laden drones launched by the Houthis.
The coalition said one drone was intercepted in the morning and a second was fired and destroyed later on Monday's evening, SPA reported, quoting a coalition spokesman.
The Western-backed coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--IDF soldier assaulted, suspects attempt to steal weapon

Civilians who were nearby came to help the soldier and called police who arrived quickly and arrested the two suspects @

Civilians who were nearby came to help the soldier and called police who arrived quickly and arrested the two suspects.
An IDF soldier was attacked by two suspects who sprayed pepper spray at him and attempted to steal his weapon at an intersection near the town of Shaar Efraim located east of Netanya on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Hadassah hospital in preliminary negotiations for possible branch in Dubai

Prof. Zev Rotstein , director of Hadassah Medical Center , visited Dubai last week to conduct negotiations .
The negotiations @ @ @ @ @ stage and nothing is final as of yet .

Prof. Zev Rotstein, director of Hadassah Medical Center, visited Dubai last week to conduct negotiations. The negotiations are still in a preliminary stage and nothing is final as of yet.
Hadassah Medical Center is in the process of negotiations with officials from the United Arab Emirates to possibly establish a branch of the hospital in Dubai, The Jerusalem Post confirmed on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--PM Secretary tests positive for coronavirus

A secretary in the Prime Minister's Office contracted COVID-19, a test found on Monday.The positive result came up in the regular testing done to those working in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vicinity.The Prime Minister's Office said that everyone who came in contact with her will be tested in the coming hours and an epidemiological investigation is ongoing.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Philippines reports 1,607 new coronavirus cases, 62 more deaths

The Philippines' health ministry on Monday recorded 1,607 new coronavirus infections and 62 more deaths.In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases had increased to 371,630, while deaths had reached 7,039. The Philippines has the second-highest number of COVID-19 infections and deaths in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Russia's new coronavirus cases hit new record high of 17,347

Russia's daily tally of new coronavirus cases surged to a record high of 17,347 on Monday, including 5,224 in Moscow, taking the national tally to 1,531,224.Authorities said 219 people had died in the last 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 26,269.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Azeris says Armenian forces violate ceasefire, Nagorno-Karabakh denies

Azerbaijan's defense ministry said on Monday that Armenian forces violated a ceasefire agreed on Sunday and shelled villages in Terter and Lachin regions.Nagorno-Karabakh defense ministry said it was "misinformation" and said that Azeri forces had launched a missile attack on Armenian military positions on the north-eastern side on the line of contact.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 8,685 to 437,866 - RKI

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 8,685 to 437,866, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Monday.The reported death toll rose by 24 to 10,056, the tally showed.


jerusalempost--2020-10-26--Israeli coronavirus vaccine will only be available next summer - IIRB

Shapira stressed that while the time in which the vaccine is developed is important , the quality of the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ director-general explained to KAN Reshet Bet that while other companies were progressing much more quickly @ @ @ @ @ untried methods that may not be as sure or safe as they seem .

Shapira stressed that while the time in which the vaccine is developed is important, the quality of the vaccine is also important. The director-general explained to KAN Reshet Bet that while other companies were progressing much more quickly, they were also using untried methods that may not be as sure or safe as they seem.
Israel's coronavirus vaccine will most likely not be available until the end of the summer of 2021, but will be safe and work well, director-general of the Israel Institute for Biological Research Shmuel Shapira told KAN Reshet Bet.


jerusalempost--2020-10-27--Philippines' Duterte wants gov't-to-gov't deal for COVID-19 vaccines

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday he would favour a government-to-government deal for the purchase of coronavirus vaccines to @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Let me tell everybody that we will not beg , we will pay @ @ @ @ @ a weekly televised address .
`` To the Chinese government , you need not look @ @ @ @ @ make it government-to-government . ''
The Philippines has the second-highest number of COVID-19 infections and @ @ @ @ @ Indonesia .

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday he would favour a government-to-government deal for the purchase of coronavirus vaccines to prevent the risk of corruption.
"Let me tell everybody that we will not beg, we will pay," Duterte said in a weekly televised address. "To the Chinese government, you need not look for partners, we can make it government-to-government."
The Philippines has the second-highest number of COVID-19 infections and deaths in Southeast Asia behind Indonesia.