jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Coronavirus cabinet approves opening stores on weekends

This Saturday , stores will legally be allowed to open and children can once again play at parks , the ministers decided .
National coronavirus project manager Prof. Ronni Gamzu said that the morbidity situation was worrying and that the goal is to significantly lower infection by September 1 .
`` We have a week or two , and if we do not succeed in decreasing the numbers , we will convene again to decide on more drastic measures , '' Prime Minister The cabinet also approved an increased intervention model in “ red ” cities that was proposed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 22 red and orange cities will face increased oversight , and families with a sick person will be assisted with being quarantined .
`` No country with as high a morbidity level as Israel has dealt with morbidity without a lockdown , '' Gamzu said .
`` The government of Israel is sensitive to the delicate socio-economic situation and the hardships of the public .
Therefore , it has placed its confidence in me for a path that does not include a full lockdown .
It seems that this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Should infection not decline within two weeks , we will be obliged to consider restrictions including the possibility of a local or nationwide lockdown .
`` `` We have a week or two , and if we do not succeed in decreasing the numbers , we will convene again to decide on more drastic measures , '' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said .
> Cancellation of the restriction on opening businesses over the weekend > Cancellation of the restriction on being present in public playgrounds > The nationwide restrictions that have been valid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting , the commissioner presented a detailed version of this system for labeling coronavirus levels in different parts of the country , color-coding municipalities like traffic lights : green , yellow and red .
His idea is to let the municipalities take a more active role in managing their constituents and partnering with the Health Ministry and the IDF to stop the spread of infection .
This program was also approved and will go into effect on September 1 and is expected to be shared in full with the public before then .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be municipalities that do not cooperate , then tougher restrictions would quickly be approved .
Gamzu toured haredi ( ultra-Orthodox ) red cities earlier this week and is expected to arrange a similar tour of Arab municipalities as well .
The cabinet meeting dragged on due to tensions between Netanyahu and National Security Council head Meir Ben-Shabbat on one side , and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Gamzu on the other .
> As of September 1 , the `` traffic light plan '' for managing the pandemic on a local authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outline of the morbidity situation in each cityAt the meeting , the commissioner presented a detailed version of this system for labeling coronavirus levels in different parts of the country , color-coding municipalities like traffic lights : green , yellow and red .
His idea is to let the municipalities take a more active role in managing their constituents and partnering with the Health Ministry and the IDF to stop the spread of infection .
This program was also approved and will go into effect on September 1 and is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before then.Edelstein told the ministers that if there will be municipalities that do not cooperate , then tougher restrictions would quickly be approved.Gamzu toured haredi ( ultra-Orthodox ) red cities earlier this week and is expected to arrange a similar tour of Arab municipalities as well.The cabinet meeting dragged on due to tensions between Netanyahu and National Security Council head Meir Ben-Shabbat on one side , and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Gamzu on the other .

This Saturday, stores will legally be allowed to open and children can once again play at parks, the ministers decided.
National coronavirus project manager Prof. Ronni Gamzu said that the morbidity situation was worrying and that the goal is to significantly lower infection by September 1.
"We have a week or two, and if we do not succeed in decreasing the numbers, we will convene again to decide on more drastic measures," Prime Minister The cabinet also approved an increased intervention model in “red” cities that was proposed by newly appointed coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu. Some 22 red and orange cities will face increased oversight, and families with a sick person will be assisted with being quarantined. "No country with as high a morbidity level as Israel has dealt with morbidity without a lockdown," Gamzu said. "The government of Israel is sensitive to the delicate socio-economic situation and the hardships of the public. Therefore, it has placed its confidence in me for a path that does not include a full lockdown. It seems that this is the last opportunity for a moderate line. Should infection not decline within two weeks, we will be obliged to consider restrictions including the possibility of a local or nationwide lockdown.""We have a week or two, and if we do not succeed in decreasing the numbers, we will convene again to decide on more drastic measures," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
> Cancellation of the restriction on opening businesses over the weekend
> Cancellation of the restriction on being present in public playgrounds
> The nationwide restrictions that have been valid up until now will continue
At the meeting, the commissioner presented a detailed version of this system for labeling coronavirus levels in different parts of the country, color-coding municipalities like traffic lights: green, yellow and red. His idea is to let the municipalities take a more active role in managing their constituents and partnering with the Health Ministry and the IDF to stop the spread of infection. This program was also approved and will go into effect on September 1 and is expected to be shared in full with the public before then. Edelstein told the ministers that if there will be municipalities that do not cooperate, then tougher restrictions would quickly be approved. Gamzu toured haredi (ultra-Orthodox) red cities earlier this week and is expected to arrange a similar tour of Arab municipalities as well. > As of September 1, the "traffic light plan" for managing the pandemic on a local authorities model will be implemented, according to the outline of the morbidity situation in each cityAt the meeting, the commissioner presented a detailed version of this system for labeling coronavirus levels in different parts of the country, color-coding municipalities like traffic lights: green, yellow and red. His idea is to let the municipalities take a more active role in managing their constituents and partnering with the Health Ministry and the IDF to stop the spread of infection. This program was also approved and will go into effect on September 1 and is expected to be shared in full with the public before then.Edelstein told the ministers that if there will be municipalities that do not cooperate, then tougher restrictions would quickly be approved.Gamzu toured haredi (ultra-Orthodox) red cities earlier this week and is expected to arrange a similar tour of Arab municipalities as well.The cabinet meeting dragged on due to tensions between Netanyahu and National Security Council head Meir Ben-Shabbat on one side, and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Gamzu on the other.
Weekend restrictions will be canceled and the skies will hopefully be able to open by August 16, the coronavirus cabinet decided after a heated four-and-a-half hour meeting on Wednesday.At the moment, they decided not to place additional restrictions on these cities, however there will be increased enforcement across the country to prevent gatherings.The full list of decisions is as follows:With 1,726 new coronavirus patients on Tuesday and another 1,385 between midnight and press time Wednesday, and 345 people in serious condition, the prime minister wanted to see the nation put under lockdown. He and Ben-Shabbat were pushing for local, night time or weekend closures at a minimum, and maximally a full country-wide lockdown for the last two weeks of August.In contrast, Gamzu said that Israel does not need to be locked down.“A general closure is not an option – it is a last resort,” Gamzu said during the meeting. “The sick patients are not unmanageable.”He said a closure would bring grave economic and social difficulties to the public.“We need to deal with red zones and open up wherever we can,” Gamzu concluded.Regarding opening the skies, the cabinet also authorized the health, transportation and foreign ministers, and the National Security Council, in consultation with the relevant ministries, to advance their outline for opening the skies by August 16, which will be submitted for approval by the coronavirus cabinet soon. The plan would allow the skies to open in some capacity by mid-month.Transportation Minister Miri Regev thanked the prime minister for giving the initiative a green light."Together with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, we will work to implement the outline that will allow the skies to open up and protect Israeli aviation," Regev said.The national restrictions that were set to expire next Monday will be officially renewed in the upcoming days.This was the second coronavirus cabinet meeting this week. The ministers met on Monday but stopped the meeting short after bickering led to no conclusions.Scathing critiques from the cabinet meeting were presented by Army Radio on Tuesday: “Gamzu now has to deal with the real numbers and he seems a little at a loss,” an anonymous minister reportedly told the station.Ministers claimed that Gamzu did not present a coherent outline or package of directives to manage the virus and therefore the ministers did not reach agreements. They told Army Radio that “what happened yesterday in the cabinet was embarrassing. The things that were said were mostly said last week in front of the camera – empty slogans and broad principles without any concrete proposal.”But there was some good news for the health system on Wednesday.Finance Minister Israel Katz announced that money has been transferred for the hospitals and health funds to start recruiting new nurses, who will be trained to treat patients in the winter when the flu and coronavirus are expected to hit the country at the same time.“This is an important achievement for the nurses, who fought for their rights and the rights of all citizens of Israel to receive proper care,” said chairwoman of the Nurses’ Union Ilana Cohen.“We will continue to work to ensure that the agreements [made with the Health and Finance ministries] are implemented in the state budget and on the ground.”The allocated funds will be specifically used for hiring nurses to help relieve the heavy burden on the country’s medical staff, and not for any new beds, wards, institutes or clinics.In total, the Finance and Health ministries have committed to hiring 2,000 nurses and 400 doctors, as well as several hundred support staff. The initial 1,500 new nursing positions will be added to the 2020 budget; the rest should be in the 2021 budget.Late Tuesday night, a new committee convened to discuss enforcement of laws being violated by people and businesses not following Health Ministry directives. Sitting on the committee are Gamzu and Federation of Local Authorities head Haim Bibas, among others. The group will meet weekly to discuss all aspects of enforcement.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--IDF reports 307 active coronavirus cases

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The IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced on Wednesday evening that 307 soldiers and IDF civilian employees have been diagnosed with coronavirus, all in light condition.Some 3,492 additional soldiers are currently in home isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--US CDC reports 1,107 new deaths due to coronavirus as of yesterday

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) on Wednesday reported 4,748,806 cases of the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ cases from its previous count , and said that the number of deaths had risen @ @ @ @ @ The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ , as of 4 pm ET on Aug. 4 versus its previous report a day @ @ @ @ @ do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states .

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday reported 4,748,806 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 49,988 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 1,107 to 156,311.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 pm ET on Aug. 4 versus its previous report a day earlier.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Beirut collective losses after Aug 4 blast may reach $15 bln

Beirut 's governor told Al Hadath TV on Wednesday that collective losses after Beirut 's blast on Aug. 4 may @ @ @ @ @ $ 15 billion , with the governor explaining the number includes both direct and indirect @ @ @ @ @ The governor also told Al Hadath TV that amounts of available wheat are currently limited @ @ @ @ @ might take place without international interference .

Beirut's governor told Al Hadath TV on Wednesday that collective losses after Beirut's blast on Aug. 4 may reach $10 billion to $15 billion, with the governor explaining the number includes both direct and indirect losses related to business.
The governor also told Al Hadath TV that amounts of available wheat are currently limited and he thinks a crisis might take place without international interference.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Protesters gather in front of Ohana's residence in Tel Aviv

Protesters gathered outside Public Security Minister Amir Ohana's house on Wednesday night to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and government corruption and incitement.The Black Flag movement released a statement, clarifying that the protests are far from over."Tonight we've come to the residence of Netanyahu's emissary in Tel Aviv. The incitement that has been coming out of Balfour in the last few days just shows how much the accused fears these protests."Today, everyone understands that Netanyahu failed our economy and our health system. The only thing he excels in is incitement, lies, and dividing us. This is the worst prime minister in the history of the State of Israel. On Saturday we will keep coming in the thousands to Balfour, demanding that the accused resigns."


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Following Beirut explosion, verdict in Hariri case postponed

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon on Wednesday said it would postpone its verdict in the trial over the 2005 bombing @ @ @ @ @ Minister Rafik al-Hariri to August 18 , following the huge explosion in Beirut 's port @ @ @ @ @ Nations-backed court located outside The Hague , Netherlands , was due to give a verdict @ @ @ @ @ men who are accused in the deaths of Hariri and 21 others this Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ `` out of respect for the countless victims of the devastating explosion that shook Beirut @ @ @ @ @ the three-days of public mourning in Lebanon , '' the court 's registry said in @ @ @ @ @ explosion that rocked Beirut on Tuesday , the country had been bracing for the verdict @ @ @ @ @ men charged with planning and arranging the bombing 15 years ago .
The four defendants @ @ @ @ @ custody and are being tried in absentia , are linked to Lebanon 's Shia Islamist @ @ @

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon on Wednesday said it would postpone its verdict in the trial over the 2005 bombing that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri to August 18, following the huge explosion in Beirut's port on Tuesday.
The United Nations-backed court located outside The Hague, Netherlands, was due to give a verdict in the trial of four men who are accused in the deaths of Hariri and 21 others this Friday.
The verdict has been delayed "out of respect for the countless victims of the devastating explosion that shook Beirut on 4 August, and the three-days of public mourning in Lebanon," the court's registry said in a statement.
Before the explosion that rocked Beirut on Tuesday, the country had been bracing for the verdict in the case of the men charged with planning and arranging the bombing 15 years ago.
The four defendants, who are not in custody and are being tried in absentia, are linked to Lebanon's Shia Islamist group Hezbollah.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--New York City to enforce traveler quarantine with COVID-19 checkpoints

The measure underscores the determination in what was once the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak to prevent a resurgence of cases emerging elsewhere .
While cases are down 5 % nationally , they soared last week in Oklahoma , Montana , Missouri and 17 other states .
On average , 1,000 people die a day nationwide from COVID-19 with the death toll now over 157,000 with 4.8 million cases .
`` Travelers coming in from those states will be given information about the quarantine and will be reminded that it is required , not optional , '' de Blasio told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , under certain circumstances , fines for not observing the quarantine order could be as high as $ 10,000 .
The Sheriff 's Office , in coordination with other law enforcement agencies , will begin deploying checkpoints at major bridge and tunnel crossings into New York City on Wednesday .
`` This is serious stuff and it 's time for everyone to realize that if we 're going to hold at this level of health and safety in this city , and get better , we have to deal with the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who 's traveled , '' de Blasio said .
A fifth of all new cases in New York City are from out-of-state travelers , said Dr. Ted Long , who oversees the city 's contact tracing program .
Teams will be deployed at Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday , he said , to ensure travelers stop to complete a travel form .

The measure underscores the determination in what was once the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak to prevent a resurgence of cases emerging elsewhere. While cases are down 5% nationally, they soared last week in Oklahoma, Montana, Missouri and 17 other states.
On average, 1,000 people die a day nationwide from COVID-19 with the death toll now over 157,000 with 4.8 million cases.
"Travelers coming in from those states will be given information about the quarantine and will be reminded that it is required, not optional," de Blasio told a news briefing. He added that, under certain circumstances, fines for not observing the quarantine order could be as high as $10,000.
The Sheriff's Office, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, will begin deploying checkpoints at major bridge and tunnel crossings into New York City on Wednesday.
"This is serious stuff and it's time for everyone to realize that if we're going to hold at this level of health and safety in this city, and get better, we have to deal with the fact that the quarantine must be applied consistently to anyone who's traveled," de Blasio said.
A fifth of all new cases in New York City are from out-of-state travelers, said Dr. Ted Long, who oversees the city's contact tracing program.
Teams will be deployed at Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday, he said, to ensure travelers stop to complete a travel form.
New York City will put up COVID-19 quarantine checkpoints at key entry points to ensure that incoming travelers from 35 states with outbreaks comply with the state's 14-day quarantine mandate, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Russian jet intercepts US reconnaissance planes over Black Sea - reports

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to chase away two US reconnaissance planes that approached the Russian border over @ @ @ @ @ , news agencies cited Russia 's defense ministry as saying .
TASS news agency cited @ @ @ @ @ the Su-27 had intercepted the RC-135 and Р-8А Poseidon planes .
Interfax news agency said @ @ @ @ @ turned away from the border .
Similar incidents have happened over the past weeks .

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to chase away two US reconnaissance planes that approached the Russian border over the Black Sea on Wednesday, news agencies cited Russia's defense ministry as saying.
TASS news agency cited the defense ministry as saying the Su-27 had intercepted the RC-135 and Р-8А Poseidon planes. Interfax news agency said the two planes had subsequently turned away from the border.
Similar incidents have happened over the past weeks.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Spain diagnoses 1,772 new coronavirus cases in post-lockdown record

Spain reported 1,772 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday , marking the biggest jump since a national lockdown was lifted in @ @ @ @ @ day 's record rise .
The rate of increase in new cases , which does @ @ @ @ @ regions , sharply rose from the previous day , while one more death was registered @ @ @ @ @ 28,499 .
Cumulative cases , which include results from antibody tests on people who may @ @ @ @ @ 305,767 from 302,814 , the health ministry said in a statement .

Spain reported 1,772 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, marking the biggest jump since a national lockdown was lifted in June and beating the previous day's record rise.
The rate of increase in new cases, which does not include data from two regions, sharply rose from the previous day, while one more death was registered, bringing the total to 28,499.
Cumulative cases, which include results from antibody tests on people who may have recovered, increased to 305,767 from 302,814, the health ministry said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--State budget deficit reaches 7.2%, setting new record of NIS 70 billion

The state budget deficit hit 7.2% at the end of July, reaching a new record of NIS 70 billion due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to the shut down of major sections of Israel's economy, according to Israeli media.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Netanyahu says protesters calling for his resignation are 'anarchists'

In an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the daily protests taking place outside of his official residence on Balfour street in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus referred to protesters as "anarchists." The prime minister's son, Yair Netanyahu, called them "aliens.""These are the most planned spontaneous protests we've ever seen," Netanyahu said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Rashida Tlaib, Progressive Congresswoman, defeats primary challenger

US Representative Rashida Tlaib , one of the most visible progressive Democrats in Congress , claimed victory Wednesday in the @ @ @ @ @ Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones .
County elections results showed Tlaib with 63,650 votes @ @ @ @ @ 89.9 % of precincts reporting .
Tlaib , a member of the `` Squad '' @ @ @ @ @ elected in 2018 , has so far declined to endorse the party 's presumptive nominee @ @ @ @ @ face-off with President Donald Trump .

US Representative Rashida Tlaib, one of the most visible progressive Democrats in Congress, claimed victory Wednesday in the Democratic nominating primary against challenger Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones.
County elections results showed Tlaib with 63,650 votes to Jones' 32,582 with 89.9% of precincts reporting.
Tlaib, a member of the "Squad" of four progressives Congresswomen first elected in 2018, has so far declined to endorse the party's presumptive nominee Joe Biden for his November face-off with President Donald Trump.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Pete Hamill, New York City journalist and author, dead at 85

New York City journalist and author Pete Hamill died on Wednesday at age 85 , the New York Daily News @ @ @ @ @ lifelong New Yorker who covered both the city and embarked on international assignments , passed @ @ @ @ @ City hospital where he was taken after he fractured his hip following a fall on @ @ @ @ @ , citing Hamill 's brother and former New York Daily News columnist Denis Hamill .
@ @ @ @ @ that Pete Hamill passed away , '' New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ Pete was not just an unsurpassed journalist , editor and writer — he was the @ @ @ @ @ ''

New York City journalist and author Pete Hamill died on Wednesday at age 85, the New York Daily News reported.
Hamill, a lifelong New Yorker who covered both the city and embarked on international assignments, passed away at a New York City hospital where he was taken after he fractured his hip following a fall on Saturday, the newspaper reported, citing Hamill's brother and former New York Daily News columnist Denis Hamill.
"So saddened to hear that Pete Hamill passed away," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wrote in a tweet on Wednesday. "Pete was not just an unsurpassed journalist, editor and writer — he was the voice of New York."


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Netanyahu: We are prepared to assist the Lebanese people however we can

Following the devastating explosion that shook Beirut on Tuesday, killing dozens and injuring thousands, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel is prepared to assist the Lebanese people."We are prepared to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon as people to people... We differentiate between the regimes and the nations," Netanyahu said.Netanyahu went on to mention field hospitals in the Golan that helped Syrians, as well as numerous offers made by Israel to aid Iranians after disasters.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Three cranes collapse at India's biggest container port near Mumbai

Three cranes collapsed at India 's largest container port on the outskirts of Mumbai due to strong winds on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ said .
Heavy rainfall has hit India 's west coast since Monday night , flooding @ @ @ @ @ .
Wind speeds picked up on Wednesday afternoon , officials said .
No one was @ @ @ @ @ at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust , Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said in a @ @ @ @ @ still assessing the impact of the collapse on the operations , its chairman , Sanjay @ @ @ @ @

Three cranes collapsed at India's largest container port on the outskirts of Mumbai due to strong winds on Wednesday, police and port officials said.
Heavy rainfall has hit India's west coast since Monday night, flooding parts of the financial capital. Wind speeds picked up on Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
No one was injured when the cranes collapsed at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said in a Tweet.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Moderna priced COVID-19 vaccine at $32-$37 per dose for smaller deals

Moderna Inc said on Wednesday smaller volume agreements for its experimental coronavirus vaccine candidate have been executed between $ 32 @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will be responsible on price well below value during the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ Bancel said on a conference call , adding that larger volume agreements under discussion will @ @ @ @ @ .

Moderna Inc said on Wednesday smaller volume agreements for its experimental coronavirus vaccine candidate have been executed between $32 and $37 per dose.
"We will be responsible on price well below value during the pandemic," Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Bancel said on a conference call, adding that larger volume agreements under discussion will be at a lower price.


jerusalempost--2020-08-05--Trump campaign sues Nevada over mail-in ballots

President Donald Trump 's reelection campaign and the national Republican Party have sued Nevada to block a new law that will send a mail-in ballot to every registered voter ahead of November 's election .
The lawsuit , filed in federal court , claims the Democratic-sponsored legislation will result in `` inevitable '' voter fraud .
Trump , a Republican , faces Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 contest .
Nevada is among eight states that plan to mail every voter a ballot .
Election officials in most states have encouraged at-home voting as the highly contagious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting in person a concern .
In an interview on Fox News on Wednesday , Trump sought to draw a distinction between the security measures involved in absentee voting versus mail-in voting , though election experts have said there is essentially no distinction .
`` Absentee is ok because you have to go through a process , '' he said .
`` What they 're going to do is blanket the state .
Anybody who ever walked , frankly , will get one . ''
The president , who has voted by mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system is more trustworthy because it has had `` two good governors . ''
Florida 's current governor , Republican Ron DeSantis , is a staunch Trump ally ; Nevada 's governor , Democrat Steve Sisolak , is a Trump critic .
Trump has repeatedly claimed that voting by mail , which is expected to increase dramatically this fall due to the pandemic , is susceptible to large-scale fraud .
Experts say voter fraud of any kind is exceedingly rare in the United States .
The lawsuit said Nevada 's new law is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the election by mandating that ballots received up to three days afterward should be counted , even if they lack a postmark .
The complaint cited recent New York congressional primary elections , which are still being tabulated weeks after election day , as evidence of the `` chaos '' the law will create .

President Donald Trump's reelection campaign and the national Republican Party have sued Nevada to block a new law that will send a mail-in ballot to every registered voter ahead of November's election.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims the Democratic-sponsored legislation will result in "inevitable" voter fraud. Trump, a Republican, faces Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 contest.
Nevada is among eight states that plan to mail every voter a ballot. Election officials in most states have encouraged at-home voting as the highly contagious nature of the novel coronavirus has made voting in person a concern.
In an interview on Fox News on Wednesday, Trump sought to draw a distinction between the security measures involved in absentee voting versus mail-in voting, though election experts have said there is essentially no distinction.
"Absentee is ok because you have to go through a process," he said. "What they're going to do is blanket the state. Anybody who ever walked, frankly, will get one."
The president, who has voted by mail in Florida, said that state's system is more trustworthy because it has had "two good governors." Florida's current governor, Republican Ron DeSantis, is a staunch Trump ally; Nevada's governor, Democrat Steve Sisolak, is a Trump critic.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that voting by mail, which is expected to increase dramatically this fall due to the pandemic, is susceptible to large-scale fraud. Experts say voter fraud of any kind is exceedingly rare in the United States.
The lawsuit said Nevada's new law is unconstitutional because it effectively extends the date of the election by mandating that ballots received up to three days afterward should be counted, even if they lack a postmark.
The complaint cited recent New York congressional primary elections, which are still being tabulated weeks after election day, as evidence of the "chaos" the law will create.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Belarus says it has detained US nationals - Belta

President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday that Belarus had detained a number of people who possessed US passports and were married to US women ahead of its Aug. 9 presidential elections, the Belta news agency reported.Lukashenko provided no further details of the detainees and it was not clear who he was referring to.The US embassy did not immediately reply to a request for comment.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Coronavirus in Israel: Death toll spikes to 569; 349 in serious condition

He said that Israel currently has a high rate of coronavirus infection - among the highest in the world per capita , “ which means that over time it is impossible to continue like this .
It is a situation where a morbidity of 1,600 patients a day constantly creates a burden on the health system .
The system is still able to handle the situation now , he said , but Israel can not go on this way for long .
Gamzu said that the goal of the government is to reduce the morbidity to the level of hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is a very difficult task , but it is the goal , ” he said .
“ It is important not only for the health situation but also the economic side.
” He continued , “ We want more relief , but right now the main task is to push the coefficient of infection even further down.
” Gamzu clarified that the message he conveyed to the ministers was `` fully received . ''
He said , `` Everyone understood that we wanted to get one more chance to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coefficient of infection would be less than 1 overtime and then we could maintain it .
“ After consulting with all the experts in Israel , in the end the direction is that we are currently waiting with drastic measures of restrictions out of an assessment of the state of the economy and society , '' he continued .
`` Instead of closing from above , I want order - a partnership from below for all of us .
This is my message - this is the message received in the cabinet from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan was approved by the cabinet , many members opposed it , including representatives of the National Security Council and even the prime minister .
But they decided to give the plan a chance .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday night when the plan was released , `` We have a week or two , if we do not succeed in lowering the numbers , we will convene again to decide on more drastic measures . ''
Gamzu acknowledged on Thursday the veracity of the prime minister ’ s words .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures has not yet been dropped , but for now it has been decided to postpone their use… If we do not improve , if we do not see the numbers trending downward , then this will be a clear message to Israel that , with all of our experience , we are not managing through any other means to lower the infection rate and we will need more restrictions - lockdown is still on the table . ''
He also spoke directly to the people , condemning some large gatherings that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We see celebrations at which directives are violated - it can not continue , ” he said , saying that breaking directives is like playing a game of Russian roulette with people ’ s lives .
Gamzu specifically referred to a wedding that took place in the Belz neighborhood of Jerusalem on Wednesday night , which he said has the potential for mass infection .
“ It drives me crazy ; it makes me angry , ” he said .
“ I turn to the heads of the ultra-Orthodox public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If there are seniors there then there is a chance for people to become seriously ill. ” He said that he spoke to the Israel Police and that “ unequivocally ” action should be taken against the wedding organizers .
Rather than fining them afterwards , he said he wants to stop these weddings in advance .
So far , 569 people are dead .

Addressing the press against the backdrop of approval of his plans – including his new “traffic light” program – by the coronavirus cabinet, Gamzu stressed that rather than “closures from above, I want order – a bottom-up partnership for all of us.”
“After consulting with all the experts in Israel, in the end, the direction is that we are currently waiting with drastic measures of restrictions out of an assessment of the state of the economy and society,” he said. “Instead of closing from above, I want order – a partnership from below for all of us. This is my message; this is the message received in the cabinet from me.”
Israel currently has a high rate of coronavirus infection – among the highest in the world per capita, Gamzu said.
“We are in a situation where a morbidity of 1,600 patients a day constantly creates a burden on the health system,” he said, noting that while the system can currently handle the situation now, Israel cannot go on this way for long.
The goal of the government is to reduce the morbidity to the level of hundreds of new patients per day by September, Gamzu said.
On Thursday, the Health Ministry reported that 1,689 people were diagnosed with coronavirus on Wednesday, plus another 1,055 between midnight and press time on Thursday. The number of patients in serious condition was 358, including 100 on ventilators.
“This is a very difficult task, but it is the goal,” Gamzu said. “It is important not only for the health situation, but also on the economic side... We must at this point give another push forward. It is clear that everyone understands the meaning of closure – harm to society and the economy – government ministers also understand this. We are waiting with drastic measures of such restrictions.”
“My message to the cabinet was fully received,” he said. “Everyone understood that we want another opportunity to reduce the rate of infection even further.”
There would be no more restrictions lifted until the coefficient of infection drops, Gamzu said.
He also discussed his “traffic light” program, which will put some of the responsibility for stopping infection in individual cities in the hands of local authorities.
“Public trust was damaged by previous closures,” he said. “So, we decided to give cities an opportunity to manage themselves and reduce morbidity. It is a complex and not a simple task. I do not know if we will succeed in it. They determine their fate.”
With the traffic-light model, there will be no more national restrictions, Gamzu said. “Rather, closures will be based on infection rates.”
“The education system may not open in red cities,” he said.
Although the plan was approved by the cabinet, many members opposed it, including representatives of the National Security Council and the prime minister, Gamzu told the press, but they decided to give the plan a chance.
When the plan was released Wednesday night, Netanyahu said: “We have a week or two. If we do not succeed in lowering the numbers, we will convene again to decide on more drastic measures.”
Gamzu reiterated Netanyahu’s statements on Thursday.
Lockdown is still on the table.” “The idea of a lockdown has not yet been eliminated, but for now it has been decided to postpone” such a move, he said. “If we do not improve; if we do not see the numbers trending downward, then this will be a clear message to Israel that, with all of our experience, we are not managing through any other means to lower the infection rate, and we will need more restrictions.Lockdown is still on the table.”
Gamzu then spoke directly to the public, condemning large gatherings that have taken place, even in recent days.
“We see celebrations at which directives are violated; it cannot continue,” he said, adding that breaking directives is like playing a game of Russian roulette with people’s lives.
Gamzu referred to a wedding that took place in the Belz neighborhood of Jerusalem on Wednesday night, which he said has the potential for mass infection.
“It drives me crazy; it makes me angry,” he said. “I turn to the heads of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public. Such a thing is certainly contagious. If there are seniors there, then there is a chance for people to become seriously ill.”
Gamzu said he spoke to the Israel Police and that “unequivocally” action should be taken against the wedding organizers. Rather than giving them fines afterward, he said he wants to stop these weddings in advance.
Likewise, he said, while demonstrations are a democratic right, “it is also our duty there to adopt safe behavior.”


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Several Kinneret beaches are closed down following water test results

The beaches around the Kinneret , including Ginosar , Rakat , Berniki and Zinabberay , are closed down for swimmers @ @ @ @ @ , following a Health Ministry decision .

The beaches around the Kinneret, including Ginosar, Rakat, Berniki and Zinabberay, are closed down for swimmers due to abnormal water quality, following a Health Ministry decision.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Russia reports more than 5,200 new coronavirus cases

Russian authorities reported 5,267 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday, pushing its national tally to 871,894, the fourth largest in the world.The official death toll rose to 14,606 after officials said 116 people had died across the country in the last 24 hours.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Two Palestinians arrested for suspected memorial desecration in Jerusalem

Two Palestinians, aged 17 and 18, from east Jerusalem, were arrested on Thursday for allegedly tearing up Israel's flag that was placed on a cenotaph for fallen paratroopers near the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in the city.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Two US senators seek ban on collecting biometric data without consent

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon said this week he is introducing the reform measure along with independent Senator Bernie @ @ @ @ @ effort comes after growing concerns about biometric data collection among private companies , including the @ @ @ @ @ The senators cited a recent Reuters investigation into Rite Aid 's facial-recognition program among other @ @ @ @ @ technology 's use .
`` We have to fight against a 'big brother ' surveillance @ @ @ @ @ and our control of our own information , be it a threat from the government @ @ @ @ @ '' Merkley said in a statement .
The bill is backed by the American Civil @ @ @ @ @ Foundation and Open Technology Institute .

Two US senators are proposing legislation to prohibit private companies from collecting biometric data without consumers and employees' consent.
Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon said this week he is introducing the reform measure along with independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The effort comes after growing concerns about biometric data collection among private companies, including the use of facial-recognition technology.
The senators cited a recent Reuters investigation into Rite Aid's facial-recognition program among other reports causing alarm about the technology's use.
"We have to fight against a 'big brother' surveillance state that eradicates our privacy and our control of our own information, be it a threat from the government or from private companies," Merkley said in a statement.
The bill is backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Electronic Frontier Foundation and Open Technology Institute.
This year, Merkley introduced legislation to impose a moratorium on all federal governmental use of facial-recognition technology until Congress passes a bill outlining specific uses. Congress has held committee hearings on facial recognition, but no legislation has been approved.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Ohio governor tests positive for COVID-19

A statement issued on DeWine 's Twitter feed said the governor , a Republican , had no symptoms at the present time and would return to the Ohio capital of Columbus to quarantine at home for the next 14 days .
Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted also took the coronavirus test and tested negative , DeWine 's statement said .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said alternate arrangements were being made for greeting Trump and there would be no major changes to the president 's itinerary in Ohio .
`` The President wishes Governor DeWine a speedy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s doing for the great state of Ohio , '' said White House spokesman Judd Deere .
At the Whirlpool plant in Clyde , Ohio , Trump will tout the tariffs his administration imposed on imported washing machines in 2018 , which have helped increase employment at the facility while contributing to price increases for the appliances .
Trump also plans to sign a long-awaited executive order aimed at boosting U.S. production of drugs and medical equipment , including through a `` Buy America '' provision requiring the government to buy from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Later on Thursday , Trump is due to attend fundraising events at a Cleveland-area yacht club and at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster , New Jersey .

A statement issued on DeWine's Twitter feed said the governor, a Republican, had no symptoms at the present time and would return to the Ohio capital of Columbus to quarantine at home for the next 14 days. Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted also took the coronavirus test and tested negative, DeWine's statement said.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said alternate arrangements were being made for greeting Trump and there would be no major changes to the president's itinerary in Ohio.
"The President wishes Governor DeWine a speedy and full recovery and commends the job he’s doing for the great state of Ohio," said White House spokesman Judd Deere.
At the Whirlpool plant in Clyde, Ohio, Trump will tout the tariffs his administration imposed on imported washing machines in 2018, which have helped increase employment at the facility while contributing to price increases for the appliances.
Trump also plans to sign a long-awaited executive order aimed at boosting U.S. production of drugs and medical equipment, including through a "Buy America" provision requiring the government to buy from domestic firms and other measures. .
Later on Thursday, Trump is due to attend fundraising events at a Cleveland-area yacht club and at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Thursday he had tested positive for COVID-19 as part of a safety protocol to greet U.S. President Donald Trump when he arrives in Cleveland to visit a Whirlpool washing machine factory.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--US CDC reports 4,802,491 coronavirus cases

The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19 , caused by a new , @ @ @ @ @ on Aug. 5 versus its previous report a day earlier .
( https : //bit.ly/30x9bOP @

U.S.
ursd
coronavirus
TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thay reported 4,802,491 cases of the new, an increase of 53,685 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 1,320 to 157,631.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 pm ET on Aug. 5 versus its previous report a day earlier.(https://bit.ly/30x9bOP)
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--US lifts global health coronavirus travel advisory

By subscribing I accept the terms of use

ursd
U.S.
coronavirus
The United States on Thay lifted a global health advisory imposed in March that advisedcitizens to avoid all international travel because of thepandemic, the State Department said."With health and safety conditions improving in some countries and potentially deteriorating in others, the department is returning to our previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice," it said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Mexico's coronavirus death toll passes 50,000 mark

The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases .

Mexico
's health ministry on Thursday reported 6,590 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 819 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 462,690 cases and 50,517 deaths.
The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Africa's cases of COVID-19 top 1 million

The continent recorded 1,003,056 cases , of which 21,983 have died and 676,395 recovered .

Africa
's confirmed cases of COVID-19 have surpassed 1 million, a Reuters tally showed on Thursday, as the disease began to spread rapidly through a continent whose relative isolation has so far spared it the worst of the pandemic.
The continent recorded 1,003,056 cases, of which 21,983 have died and 676,395 recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Worldwide coronavirus cases near 19 million, death toll at 708,848

More than 18.94 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 708,848 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--‘Politicians must not be involved in Liat Ben-Ari’s prosecution’

Israel ’ s state prosecutor responded to a letter from Rosh HaAyin City Council Member Hanoch Oz asking that Prime @ @ @ @ @ lead prosecutor be indicted for construction violations by warning him that intervention in prosecutorial work @ @ @ @ @ a letter stating that the state prosecutor had not yet responded to his demand to @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , he received a response , but it was likely not the one @ @ @ @ @ state prosecutor responded by going over Oz ’ s head to the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ , and his deputy .
The prosecutor warned that politicians must not interfere with the @ @ @ @ @ and that such interference could be considered a crime .

Israel’s state prosecutor responded to a letter from Rosh HaAyin City Council Member Hanoch Oz asking that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s lead prosecutor be indicted for construction violations by warning him that intervention in prosecutorial work is inappropriate.
Oz sent a letter stating that the state prosecutor had not yet responded to his demand to indict Ben-Ari and her husband. Now, he received a response, but it was likely not the one he was expecting.
The state prosecutor responded by going over Oz’s head to the city’s mayor, Shalom Ben Moshe, and his deputy. The prosecutor warned that politicians must not interfere with the state prosecutor’s independence and that such interference could be considered a crime.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Brazil approaches 100,000 deaths from COVID-19

Brazil reported 53,139 new cases of the novel coronavirus and 1,237 deaths from the disease caused by the virus in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday.Brazil has registered 2,912,212 confirmed cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll from COVID-19 has risen to 98,493, according to ministry data. It is the world's worst coronavirus outbreak after the United States.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--IDF reports 290 active coronavirus cases

The IDF on Thursday evening announced that 290 soldiers and IDF civilian employees have been diagnosed with coronavirus, all of whom are in light condition.Some 3,452 additional soldiers are currently in home isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--3-year-old toddler hit by car, evacuated to Soroka Medical Center

A 3-year-old toddler was hit by a car in Rahat on Thursday evening, according Magen David Adom (MDA).MDA paramedics rushed to the scene of the accident. The child, who suffered from multi-system trauma, was evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Katz screams at Meridor: Be quiet or I’ll have you removed

Finance Minister Israel Katz screamed at the ministry’s Head of the Budget Department Shaul Meridor and told him to “be quiet or I’ll have you removed," Channel 13 reported on Thursday.Katz was responding to a briefing by the ministry’s legal advisor about how, according to the procedures of the ministry, the trained economists in the service calculate the cost of the various items the elected government wants to budget.Meridor said that his team “will explain to the minister the precise nature of the calculation later” which led to the outburst.Meridor objected to the Check for Every Citizen plan championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz when he said “this will turn us into Venezuela.”He was slammed for “sabotaging” the government’s work by Likud activists on social media.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Hundreds gather on Balfour Street to protest against Netanyahu

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Prime Minister's Official Residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem on Thursday evening to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Ynet.Opposite to them, several pro-Netanyahu protesters have gathered to support the prime minister.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Fires in the vicinity of the Gaza Envelope caused by explosive balloons

Several fires were reported on Thursday in villages in the Eshkol and Hof Ashkelon regional councils. The source was unknown at first, but an investigation revealed that the fires were caused by explosive balloons launched from Gaza.Police also announced that it had identified and neutralized a balloon with an explosive device attached to it near the city of Arad.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Kohavi decides to maintain the operational deployment in the North

Following the IDF General Staff situation assessment, the Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi decided to maintain the operational deployment in the North.Alongside that, the Chief of the General Staff ordered the units to rotate troops to facilitate continuous operations.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Coronavirus update: 358 people in serious condition, 100 on ventilators

Addressing the press against the backdrop of approval of his plans – including his new “ traffic light ” program – by the coronavirus cabinet , Gamzu stressed that rather than “ closures from above , I want order – a bottom-up partnership for all of us.
” “ After consulting with all the experts in Israel , in the end , the direction is that we are currently waiting with drastic measures of restrictions out of an assessment of the state of the economy and society , ” he said .
“ Instead of closing from above , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all of us .
This is my message ; this is the message received in the cabinet from me.
” Israel currently has a high rate of coronavirus infection – among the highest in the world per capita , Gamzu said .
“ We are in a situation where a morbidity of 1,600 patients a day constantly creates a burden on the health system , ” he said , noting that while the system can currently handle the situation now , Israel can not go on this way for long .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morbidity to the level of hundreds of new patients per day by September , Gamzu said .
On Thursday , the Health Ministry reported that 1,689 people were diagnosed with coronavirus on Wednesday , plus another 1,055 between midnight and press time on Thursday .
The number of patients in serious condition was 358 , including 100 on ventilators .
“ This is a very difficult task , but it is the goal , ” Gamzu said .
“ It is important not only for the health situation , but also on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point give another push forward .
It is clear that everyone understands the meaning of closure – harm to society and the economy – government ministers also understand this .
We are waiting with drastic measures of such restrictions.
” “ My message to the cabinet was fully received , ” he said .
“ Everyone understood that we want another opportunity to reduce the rate of infection even further.
” There would be no more restrictions lifted until the coefficient of infection drops , Gamzu said .
He also discussed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will put some of the responsibility for stopping infection in individual cities in the hands of local authorities .
“ Public trust was damaged by previous closures , ” he said .
“ So , we decided to give cities an opportunity to manage themselves and reduce morbidity .
It is a complex and not a simple task .
I do not know if we will succeed in it .
They determine their fate.
” With the traffic-light model , there will be no more national restrictions , Gamzu said .
“ Rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates.
” “ The education system may not open in red cities , ” he said .
Although the plan was approved by the cabinet , many members opposed it , including representatives of the National Security Council and the prime minister , Gamzu told the press , but they decided to give the plan a chance .
When the plan was released Wednesday night , Netanyahu said : “ We have a week or two .
If we do not succeed in lowering the numbers , we will convene again to decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of a lockdown has not yet been eliminated , but for now it has been decided to postpone ” such a move , he said .
“ If we do not improve ; if we do not see the numbers trending downward , then this will be a clear message to Israel that , with all of our experience , we are not managing through any other means to lower the infection rate , and we will need more restrictions .
Lockdown is still on the table.
” Gamzu then spoke directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have taken place , even in recent days .
“ We see celebrations at which directives are violated ; it can not continue , ” he said , adding that breaking directives is like playing a game of Russian roulette with people ’ s lives .
Gamzu referred to a wedding that took place in the Belz neighborhood of Jerusalem on Wednesday night , which he said has the potential for mass infection .
“ It drives me crazy ; it makes me angry , ” he said .
“ I turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultra-Orthodox ) public .
Such a thing is certainly contagious .
If there are seniors there , then there is a chance for people to become seriously ill. ” Gamzu said he spoke to the Israel Police and that “ unequivocally ” action should be taken against the wedding organizers .
Rather than giving them fines afterward , he said he wants to stop these weddings in advance .
Likewise , he said , while demonstrations are a democratic right , “ it is also our duty there to adopt safe behavior .
@

Addressing the press against the backdrop of approval of his plans – including his new “traffic light” program – by the coronavirus cabinet, Gamzu stressed that rather than “closures from above, I want order – a bottom-up partnership for all of us.”
“After consulting with all the experts in Israel, in the end, the direction is that we are currently waiting with drastic measures of restrictions out of an assessment of the state of the economy and society,” he said. “Instead of closing from above, I want order – a partnership from below for all of us. This is my message; this is the message received in the cabinet from me.”
Israel currently has a high rate of coronavirus infection – among the highest in the world per capita, Gamzu said.
“We are in a situation where a morbidity of 1,600 patients a day constantly creates a burden on the health system,” he said, noting that while the system can currently handle the situation now, Israel cannot go on this way for long.
The goal of the government is to reduce the morbidity to the level of hundreds of new patients per day by September, Gamzu said.
On Thursday, the Health Ministry reported that 1,689 people were diagnosed with coronavirus on Wednesday, plus another 1,055 between midnight and press time on Thursday. The number of patients in serious condition was 358, including 100 on ventilators.
“This is a very difficult task, but it is the goal,” Gamzu said. “It is important not only for the health situation, but also on the economic side... We must at this point give another push forward. It is clear that everyone understands the meaning of closure – harm to society and the economy – government ministers also understand this. We are waiting with drastic measures of such restrictions.”
“My message to the cabinet was fully received,” he said. “Everyone understood that we want another opportunity to reduce the rate of infection even further.”
There would be no more restrictions lifted until the coefficient of infection drops, Gamzu said.
He also discussed his “traffic light” program, which will put some of the responsibility for stopping infection in individual cities in the hands of local authorities.
“Public trust was damaged by previous closures,” he said. “So, we decided to give cities an opportunity to manage themselves and reduce morbidity. It is a complex and not a simple task. I do not know if we will succeed in it. They determine their fate.”
With the traffic-light model, there will be no more national restrictions, Gamzu said. “Rather, closures will be based on infection rates.”
“The education system may not open in red cities,” he said.
Although the plan was approved by the cabinet, many members opposed it, including representatives of the National Security Council and the prime minister, Gamzu told the press, but they decided to give the plan a chance.
When the plan was released Wednesday night, Netanyahu said: “We have a week or two. If we do not succeed in lowering the numbers, we will convene again to decide on more drastic measures.”
Gamzu reiterated Netanyahu’s statements on Thursday.
Lockdown is still on the table.” “The idea of a lockdown has not yet been eliminated, but for now it has been decided to postpone” such a move, he said. “If we do not improve; if we do not see the numbers trending downward, then this will be a clear message to Israel that, with all of our experience, we are not managing through any other means to lower the infection rate, and we will need more restrictions.Lockdown is still on the table.”
Gamzu then spoke directly to the public, condemning large gatherings that have taken place, even in recent days.
“We see celebrations at which directives are violated; it cannot continue,” he said, adding that breaking directives is like playing a game of Russian roulette with people’s lives.
Gamzu referred to a wedding that took place in the Belz neighborhood of Jerusalem on Wednesday night, which he said has the potential for mass infection.
“It drives me crazy; it makes me angry,” he said. “I turn to the heads of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public. Such a thing is certainly contagious. If there are seniors there, then there is a chance for people to become seriously ill.”
Gamzu said he spoke to the Israel Police and that “unequivocally” action should be taken against the wedding organizers. Rather than giving them fines afterward, he said he wants to stop these weddings in advance.
Likewise, he said, while demonstrations are a democratic right, “it is also our duty there to adopt safe behavior.”


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 18.91 million, death toll at 708,279

More than 18.91 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 708,279 have died @ @ @ @ @ tally .
Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the @ @ @ @ @ China in December 2019 .

More than 18.91 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 708,279 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Global recovery will come faster if COVID vaccine available to all -WHO

Economic recovery around the world could comes faster if any COVID-19 vaccine is made available to all as a public @ @ @ @ @ Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday .
He was speaking in an online @ @ @ @ @ the Aspen Security Forum in the United States moderated by the NBC network .
WHO @ @ @ @ @ asked about a proposed Russian vaccine , told the panel that what was needed now @ @ @ @ @ are safe and effective .

Economic recovery around the world could comes faster if any COVID-19 vaccine is made available to all as a public good, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday.
He was speaking in an online panel discussion with members of the Aspen Security Forum in the United States moderated by the NBC network.
WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan, asked about a proposed Russian vaccine, told the panel that what was needed now was to ensure any vaccines are safe and effective.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Palestinians indicted after throwing stones at vehicles in West Bank

Three Palestinians were indicted on Thursday after throwing stones towards vehicles on Highway 585 in the West Bank on Saturday.The three were caught by security cameras on Saturday as they were throwing stones towards vehicles and endangering passersby near the Israeli settlement Mevo Dotan in the West Bank.The suspects attempted to flee the scene but were caught and arrested by Border Police officers who were dispatched to the area.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--US President Donald Trump says coronavirus vaccine possible before Nov. 3

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday it was possible the United States would have a coronavirus vaccine before the @ @ @ @ @ more optimistic forecast than timing put forth by his own White House health experts .
@ @ @ @ @ radio program when a vaccine might be ready , Trump said , `` Sooner than @ @ @ @ @ , could be much sooner . ''
`` Sooner than November 3 ? ''
he @ @ @ @ @ think in some cases , yes possible before , but right around that time , @ @ @ @

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday it was possible the United States would have a coronavirus vaccine before the Nov. election, a far more optimistic forecast than timing put forth by his own White House health experts.
Asked on the Geraldo Rivera radio program when a vaccine might be ready, Trump said, "Sooner than the end of the year, could be much sooner."
"Sooner than November 3?" he was asked.
"I think in some cases, yes possible before, but right around that time," Trump said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Dutch health authorities report 601 new coronavirus cases in past day

A surge in coronavirus cases in the Netherlands continued on Thursday , health authorities said , rising to 601 cases @ @ @ @ @ from 427 cases a day earlier .
The National Institute for Health reported the newest @ @ @ @ @ .
Prime Minister Mark Rutte has cut short a vacation to address the public later @ @ @ @ @ in cases .

A surge in coronavirus cases in the Netherlands continued on Thursday, health authorities said, rising to 601 cases in the past 24 hours from 427 cases a day earlier.
The National Institute for Health reported the newest numbers in a daily update. Prime Minister Mark Rutte has cut short a vacation to address the public later on Thursday about the increase in cases.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Weapons, explosives and ammo discovered in businesses in northern Israel

Police discovered weapons, explosive devices and large amounts of ammo on Thursday during a raid on businesses in the Arab town Yafa an-Naseriyye.The raid was carried out as part of the Israel Police national effort in combating criminal organizations that operate illegal businesses with deceiving legal appearances, while using them for covering up violent criminal activity.Four businesses were checked during the raid on Thursday. In two of them investigators found "Carlo" style handguns, an explosive device, magazines and a large amount of ammo.Israel Police issued a statement following the raid, stating that it will continue to use all means in its disposal in order to combat the activity of criminal organizations in Israel.Yafa an-Naseriyye is part of the metropolitan area of Nazareth, located in the Lower Galilee area.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Over 1.8 million still without power on US East Coast from Isaias

More than 1.8 million homes and businesses from Virginia to New York were still without power early Thursday after Hurricane @ @ @ @ @ East Coast this week , according to electric companies .
That is down from over @ @ @ @ @ In total , the storm knocked out service to more than 4.3 million customers from @ @ @ @ @ it marched up the coast .
Isaias hit the North Carolina coast Monday night and @ @ @ @ @ in Quebec on Wednesday .

More than 1.8 million homes and businesses from Virginia to New York were still without power early Thursday after Hurricane Isaias crashed up the US East Coast this week, according to electric companies. That is down from over 3.5 million early Wednesday. In total, the storm knocked out service to more than 4.3 million customers from North Carolina to Quebec as it marched up the coast.
Isaias hit the North Carolina coast Monday night and its remnants were last seen in Quebec on Wednesday. Isaias hit the North Carolina coast Monday night and its remnants were last seen in Quebec on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-06--Bennett in quarantine after contact with coronavirus patient - report

Former defense minister MK Naftali Bennett voluntarily entered quarantine on Thursday after spending time with a journalist diagnosed with coronavirus, according to a report by N12.Bennett is expected to remain in quarantine until Sunday evening.Jerusalem Affairs Minister Rafi Peretz, a member of Bennett's party, Yisrael Beytenu, also entered quarantine earlier this week after being diagnosed with coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Several Kinneret beaches closed down due to overcrowding

In light of the coronavirus pandemic , Shikmim , Lavnun and Kinar beaches were closed for swimmers during the day @ @ @ @ @ Kinneret Cities Association announced on Friday .

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Shikmim, Lavnun and Kinar beaches were closed for swimmers during the day because of overcrowding, The Kinneret Cities Association announced on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--IDF: Drone infiltrated Israel in Mt.Hermon area during night, shot down

A drone infiltrated Israeli territory in the Mt. Hermon area close to the border area with Lebanon on Thursday night, the IDF announced on Friday.
The drone's movement was tailed by IDF troops and it was shot down.
"The IDF is highly prepared in the northern arena and will not allow any violation of the sovereignty of the State of Israel," the IDF stated.
An initial investigation suggests that the incident was due to IDF's UAV presence in the vicinity.
The IDF will continue the investigation.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Power outage in New York, Con Edison investigating

Electricity provider Con Edison said in a tweet that it is investigating a power outage in Manhattan Friday morning. According to ABC news, a power outage hit a portion of Upper Manhattan just after 5:15 a.m.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--India's Serum Institute to partner with Gates Foundation to make COVID-19 vaccine

The Serum Institute of India said it will partner with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and international vaccine alliance GAVI to manufacture and deliver 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses for India and other low- and middle-income nations as early as 2021.The institute said on Friday it will get funding to support manufacturing for candidate vaccines from AstraZeneca and Novavax.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Defense Ministry director-general Amir Eshel in coronavirus quarantine

Defense Ministry director-general Maj.Gen Amir Eshel went into quarantine on Friday morning after coming into contact with a coronavirus patient, the Defense Ministry announced.Eshel will stay in quarantine for the next two weeks and will continue to maintain as normal an agenda as possible, the ministry stated. He will undergo a coronavirus test in the near future.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Coronavirus in Israel: 106 people on ventilators Friday morning

The number of patients who are intubated has risen Friday morning, the Health Ministry said. Some 106 people are on ventilators and there are 374 people in serious condition.In total, 1,674 people were diagnosed with coronavirus on Thursday out of the 28,382 who were screened.Some 578 people have died.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Rocket sirens in northern Israel false alarm - IDF

The red alert which sounded throughout the Western Galilee region of northern Israel was a false alarm, the IDF's Home Front Command confirmed.The IDF stated that the false alarm was due to incorrect identification.A red alert was activated after rocket sirens sounded around 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning.Alerts were sounded in the communities of Abirim, Elkosh, Peki'in, Mount Meron Field School, Hurfeish, Netu'a, Fassuta, Tzvi'on and Tzuriel.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 1,147 to 214,214

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 1,147 to 214,214, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.The reported death toll rose by eight to 9,183, the tally showed.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Remand for daycare workers held in custody over abuse extended 5 days

Seven daycare workers who were arrested on Thursday had their remand extended by five days - including the owner of the nursery and her husband - for the alleged abuse of children at a Ramle daycare center.At least one aide is close to signing a deal to earn immunity in exchange for acting as a state witness.The owner of the daycare was investigated along with their arrest and placed under house arrest for three days in restrictive conditions.The owner is suspected of turning a blind eye to one of the caretakers' child abuse reports which was filed and presented to her a year prior.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--China reports 37 new COVID-19 cases in mainland, same as day earlier

Of the new cases , 10 were imported infections involving travellers from overseas compared with seven such cases reported a @ @ @ @ @ Health Commission said in a statement published through its official account on social media platform @ @ @ @ @ 14 new asymptomatic cases , down from 20 a day earlier .

China reported 37 new coronavirus cases in the mainland as of the end of Aug 6, same as the day earlier, the country's health authority said on Friday.
Of the new cases, 10 were imported infections involving travellers from overseas compared with seven such cases reported a day earlier, the National Health Commission said in a statement published through its official account on social media platform Weibo.
There were also 14 new asymptomatic cases, down from 20 a day earlier.
Total number of infections in mainland China now stand at 84,565, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Coronavirus-hit Mexico receives $3 million donation from United States

Mexico 's health ministry reported 6,717 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 794 additional fatalities , bringing the total in the @ @ @ @ @ 51,311 deaths .
Officials have said the real number of infected people is likely significantly @ @ @ @ @ .
Mexican Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said the donation would be used for research @ @ @ @ @ .
With the highly contagious virus spreading rapidly across the region , Lopez-Gatell told reporters @ @ @ @ @ prolonged . ''

Mexico's health ministry reported 6,717 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 794 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 469,407 cases and 51,311 deaths.
Officials have said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.
Mexican Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said the donation would be used for research purposes, supplies and tests.
With the highly contagious virus spreading rapidly across the region, Lopez-Gatell told reporters "the pandemic will be prolonged."
MEXICO CITY - Mexico received a donation of $3 million from the United States to help fight the novel coronavirus, which has claimed more than 50,000 lives, a health official said on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Trump will host Iraqi prime minister at the white house Aug 20

Al-Kadhimi took office in April , becoming the third Iraq head of state in a chaotic 10-week period that followed @ @ @ @ @ the country , which has been exhausted by decades of sanctions , war , corruption @ @ @ @

Al-Kadhimi took office in April, becoming the third Iraq head of state in a chaotic 10-week period that followed months of deadly protests in the country, which has been exhausted by decades of sanctions, war, corruption and economic challenges.
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump will host a visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to the White House on Aug. 20 to discuss challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic as well as security, energy and economic issues, the White House said in statement on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Donald Trump to attend Paris conference to help support Lebanon

CAIRO - United States President Donald Trump, told his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun, in a phone call, that he will be at Paris conference called for by French President Emmanuel Macron to support Lebanon and provide aid, Lebanese presidency announced on twitter on Friday.Macron said on Thursday that France will organize an international aid conference for Lebanon, and he promised "transparent governance" so the aid goes to the people, NGOs and relief groups and not to the ruling elite which has been accused of corruption and mismanagement.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Man drowns at beach near Four Seasons Hotel in Netanya

A man in his 20s drowned at a beach near the Four Seasons Hotel in Netanya , the Hebrew website @ @ @ @ @ MDA ) paramedics who were dispatched to the scene tried to revive the man who @ @ @ @ @ water , but were unsuccessful and declared his death .

A man in his 20s drowned at a beach near the Four Seasons Hotel in Netanya, the Hebrew website Ynet reported.Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics who were dispatched to the scene tried to revive the man who was pulled out from the water, but were unsuccessful and declared his death.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Gunmen kill about 20 in attack in eastern Burkina Faso

No one claimed responsibility for the attack in the village of Fada N'Gourma .

No one claimed responsibility for the attack in the village of Fada N'Gourma.
Unidentified gunmen killed about 20 people in an attack on a cattle market in eastern Burkina Faso on Friday, the government said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Finance Ministry to present NIS 8.5 billion plan to stimulate growth

The Finance Ministry intends to present a NIS 8.5 billion plan to stimulate economic growth, Channel 13 reported on Friday evening.The sum is meant to finance vocational training for unemployed Israelis, the NIS 700 million food security plan championed by Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, and the cost of constructing the central Israel light rail. The light rail completion will be delayed by at least one year due to shortage of workers because of COVID-19.The report claimed Likud ministers are deeply worried Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans on leading the country to new elections.“What will we show the public [to get them to support us]?” a minister told the news service. “We will become like Lebanon."Israel must present a budget by August 24, while Netanyahu is calling for a one-year rapid budget, Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz is pushing for a two-year budget.When Likud signed the coalition deal with Blue and White both parties agreed to present a two-year budget.Netanyahu claims it would be irresponsible to insist on a two-year budget during a pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Missing brothers from Kfar Silver found - police

After several hours , police reported that the missing brothers were found .
A large number of police officers have @ @ @ @ @ , ages seven and four , from Kfar Silver since the two left the house @ @ @ @ @ a scooter .
Police were informed about the missing children after their parents were unable @ @ @ @ @ surrounding area .

After several hours, police reported that the missing brothers were found.
A large number of police officers have been searching for two brothers, ages seven and four, from Kfar Silver since the two left the house in the morning while riding a scooter.
Police were informed about the missing children after their parents were unable to find them in the surrounding area.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--322 IDF soldiers and civilian employees diagnosed with coronavirus

As of Friday , 322 IDF soldiers and civilian employees have been diagnosed with coronavirus , the IDF Spokesperson 's @ @ @ @ @ .
All but one , who is in critical condition , are experiencing light symptoms @

As of Friday, 322 IDF soldiers and civilian employees have been diagnosed with coronavirus, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced on Friday evening. All but one, who is in critical condition, are experiencing light symptoms.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Coronavirus in Israel: Death toll tops 580, close to 110 on ventilators

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The death toll has risen past 580 and the number of people intubated is nearing 110 on Friday, the Health Ministry reported.As of Friday before Shabbat, there were 80,991 people who had been infected with corona in the country, including 25,095 who still have the virus. Some 369 people were in serious condition, among them 109 who were on a ventilator.To date, 581 people have died.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Palmahim National Park closed to new visitors due to overcrowding

Palmahim National Park will not allow new visitors due to overcrowding, Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced.Earlier on Friday, several Kinneret beaches were also closed because of overcrowding amid the coronavirus pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--IDF continues investigation into suspected drone shoot down

A drone infiltrated Israeli territory in the Mt .
Hermon area close to the border area with Lebanon on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
The drone 's movement was tailed by IDF troops and it was @ @ @ @ @ IDF is highly prepared in the northern arena and will not allow any violation of @ @ @ @ @ of Israel , '' the IDF stated .
An initial investigation suggests that the incident @ @ @ @ @ UAV presence in the vicinity .
The IDF will continue the investigation .

A drone infiltrated Israeli territory in the Mt. Hermon area close to the border area with Lebanon on Thursday night, the IDF announced on Friday.
The drone's movement was tailed by IDF troops and it was shot down.
"The IDF is highly prepared in the northern arena and will not allow any violation of the sovereignty of the State of Israel," the IDF stated.
An initial investigation suggests that the incident was due to IDF's UAV presence in the vicinity.
The IDF will continue the investigation.


jerusalempost--2020-08-07--Over 1.2 million still without power on US East Coast from Isaias

That is down from over 1.8 million early Thursday .
In total , the storm knocked out service to more @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina to Quebec after crashing into the North Carolina coast Monday night .
The @ @ @ @ @ in Quebec on Wednesday .
Isaias was the earliest ninth storm of the Atlantic season @ @ @ @ @ and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) on Thursday boosted its prediction on the number of @ @ @ @ @ , saying there could be up to 16 more for a total of 25 .
@ @ @ @ @ tropical storms in a season is 27 in 2005 , according to the US National @ @ @

That is down from over 1.8 million early Thursday. In total, the storm knocked out service to more than 4.3 million customers from North Carolina to Quebec after crashing into the North Carolina coast Monday night. The storms remnants were last seen in Quebec on Wednesday.
Isaias was the earliest ninth storm of the Atlantic season. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday boosted its prediction on the number of named tropical storms this year, saying there could be up to 16 more for a total of 25. The current record for named tropical storms in a season is 27 in 2005, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
More than 1.2 million homes and businesses from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts were still without power early Friday after Hurricane Isaias crashed up the US East Coast earlier this week, according to local electric companies.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--UK PM orders PR campaign for schools to reopen in September

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered a public relations campaign to ensure schools reopen on time in September and said in a meeting that they should be the last places to close even in case of a local lockdown, The Sunday Times newspaper reported."The PM stressed (in a Thursday meeting) that the harm done to children's education by not attending school as well as to their mental health is far more damaging than the low risk posed (by the coronavirus), which schools will be carefully managing," the newspaper quoted a source as having said.A study published on Tuesday said Britain risks a second wave of COVID-19 this winter twice as large as the initial outbreak if it reopens schools full-time without improving its test-and-trace system.Schools in Britain closed in March during a national lockdown, except for the children of key workers, and reopened in June for a small number of pupils. The government wants all pupils to return to school by early September, with Johnson calling this a national priority.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Lebanese policeman killed in clashes with demonstrators in Beirut

BEIRUT - A Lebanese policeman was killed in clashes with demonstrators in central Beirut on Saturday , a police spokesman @ @ @ @ @ the ruling political establishment have also left more than 100 people injured and dozens hospitalized @

BEIRUT - A Lebanese policeman was killed in clashes with demonstrators in central Beirut on Saturday, a police spokesman said.
The protests against the ruling political establishment have also left more than 100 people injured and dozens hospitalized.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Coalition in crisis: Weekly government meeting not expected to happen

The weekly government meeting, expected to take place on Sunday, may be canceled because of disagreements regarding the government agenda, according to The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv.This points at a new low regarding the deepening crisis between Likud and Blue and White. The tension between the parties mostly surrounds the demand by Blue and White to vote on the government's work regulations, a vote that has been awaiting approval for several weeks now.The regulations are meant to resolve issues in the voting procedures currently in place and among others, to compensate the gap of ministers in each block and preserve equality between parties.Officials in Blue and White confirmed on Saturday evening that the meeting will not take place on Sunday unless urgent topics regarding the coronavirus pandemic arise and require attention.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Coronavirus in Israel: 1,753 new patients in the last day

The number of coronavirus patients in serious condition increased by 20 people over the weekend, reaching 389, according to data released by the Health Ministry. The number of serious patients has the greatest impact on whether Israel’s health system can sustain itself now and during an expected third wave in the winter.“We are in a situation where a morbidity of 1,600 patients a day constantly creates a burden on the health system,” coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu said on Thursday, noting that while the system can currently handle the situation, Israel cannot go on this way for long.Some 1,753 new patients were diagnosed with the virus on Friday, plus another 632 between midnight and press time on Saturday. Among the patients, 106 are intubated.Also, 11 more people have died since the beginning of Shabbat, bringing the death toll to 592. A total of 75 Israelis have died of coronavirus since the start of the month, which means Israel is trending to have more deaths this month than in July.Recall that at the end of last month, a team of Hebrew University researchers who reported that according to their model “Israel has gained control of the coronavirus crisis” predicted that another 200 people were expected to die in the first three weeks of August, due to the high number of people who were infected during the month of July.The cities with the greatest amount of infection have remained relatively consistent, with Jerusalem at the top, followed by Bnei Brak and then Tel Aviv. Some 1,689 new patients were diagnosed in Jerusalem since Sunday, bringing the number of active patients to 3,700, according to data by the Health Ministry. There were 809 diagnosed in Bnei Brak for a total of 1,879, and 315 in Tel Aviv for a total of 1,131 sick patients.Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said Wednesday that to date 50% of infections occur in the ultra-Orthodox and Arab communities, and the cities with the highest rates of infection are either majority ultra-Orthodox or Arab communities, or cities with large populations of those groups.Gamzu hopes to role out his "traffic light" program by September 1, which will help mitigate the spread of the virus in red cities.On Friday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a conference call with his counterparts from Israel, Australia, Brazil, India and the Republic of Korea to discuss their joint responses to the pandemic.“We must work together to safely reopen our economies, prevent future pandemics and counter disinformation,” Pompeo tweeted after the meeting.Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenzi’s office said the ministers discussed collaborative efforts to develop a vaccine against the virus, as well as the construction of operative models to combat future outbreaks.They spoke of mechanisms to restart air traffic between their countries, including for tourists, as well as initiatives to rehabilitate the global economy. Israel is looking to open its skies as early as August 16.Ashkenazi thanked Pompeo and stated that the “cooperation with many countries partnered with us in the struggle is of enormous importance.“Israel, under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government ministries as well as many Israeli technology and research companies, is working to promote cooperation, technological initiatives and the provision of humanitarian aid around the world,” Ashkenazi said.“We will continue to work with other countries to find a vaccine for the coronavirus and to rehabilitate the global economy,” he said.“The battle against the virus is one that crosses borders and continents,” Ashkenazi added.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Shooting heard at scene of demonstrations in central Beirut

AMMAN - Shooting was heard at the scene of demonstrations in central Beirut against Lebanon 's ruling elite on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ that bullets were fired .
Live coverage on local television stations showed several people who @ @ @ @ @ bullet shot as police used teargas to disperse protesters trying to break into parliament square @

AMMAN - Shooting was heard at the scene of demonstrations in central Beirut against Lebanon's ruling elite on Saturday and police confirmed to Reuters that bullets were fired.
Live coverage on local television stations showed several people who had were bloodied from rubber bullet shot as police used teargas to disperse protesters trying to break into parliament square.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Macron to Trump: US sanctions on Lebanese groups counterproductive

The official , speaking ahead of a donors conference on aid to Lebanon co-hosted by France in which Trump will take part , said Macron told Trump in a phone call on Friday that the United States should `` reinvest '' in Lebanon to help rebuild it .
Washington has sought to choke off Hezbollah 's funding worldwide , with sanctions among a slew of steps against Tehran since Trump withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran .
`` He told him that in the case of Lebanon , the fact is that the policy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some Gulf countries could actually play into the hands of those they are targeting , Iran and Hezbollah , '' the official said .
`` So it was an invitation to President Trump to reinvest the Lebanese question , because the situation is serious and we should not abandon Lebanon to those the United States are meant to target through their sanction policy , '' he added .
Trump has said he will take part in Sunday 's conference .
So too will British Prime Minister Boris Johnson , the king of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the World Bank , among others .
Israel and Iran will not be involved due to geopolitical issues , the official said .
The French official declined to put a figure on how much the conference hoped to raise , but said money was needed to rebuild Beirut , supply food aid , rebuild schools and hospitals and deliver medical equipment .
`` Lebanon is sinking .
We have hit rock bottom , many Lebanese think so .
We are here to help Lebanon rise back to the surface . ''

PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron has told US President Donald Trump that US sanctions that have targeted Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah are playing into the hands of those they are meant to weaken, including Iran, an Elysee official said on Saturday.
The official, speaking ahead of a donors conference on aid to Lebanon co-hosted by France in which Trump will take part, said Macron told Trump in a phone call on Friday that the United States should "reinvest" in Lebanon to help rebuild it.
Washington has sought to choke off Hezbollah's funding worldwide, with sanctions among a slew of steps against Tehran since Trump withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.
"He told him that in the case of Lebanon, the fact is that the policy of pressure or abstention from the United States and some Gulf countries could actually play into the hands of those they are targeting, Iran and Hezbollah," the official said.
"So it was an invitation to President Trump to reinvest the Lebanese question, because the situation is serious and we should not abandon Lebanon to those the United States are meant to target through their sanction policy," he added.
Trump has said he will take part in Sunday's conference. So too will British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the king of Jordan, representatives of China and Russia and the World Bank, among others.
Israel and Iran will not be involved due to geopolitical issues, the official said.
The French official declined to put a figure on how much the conference hoped to raise, but said money was needed to rebuild Beirut, supply food aid, rebuild schools and hospitals and deliver medical equipment.
"Lebanon is sinking. We have hit rock bottom, many Lebanese think so. We are here to help Lebanon rise back to the surface."