jerusalempost--2020-02-20--Netanyahu: Blue and White party isn’t corrupt? Don’t make me laugh

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday morning in Beersheba that the public must know the truth about the Fifth @ @ @ @ @ Blue and White leader Benny ] Gantz got a huge salary , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ has not been investigated… [ if ] it ’ s not Bibi [ meaning himself @ @ @ @ @ not investigate they do nothing.
” “ We have a party here which claims to @ @ @ @ @ a pure party .
Blue and White ?
You make me laugh !
”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday morning in Beersheba that the public must know the truth about the Fifth Dimension investigation.
“[Blue and White leader Benny] Gantz got a huge salary,” he said, “until now it has not been investigated…[if] it’s not Bibi [meaning himself] not only do they not investigate they do nothing.”
“We have a party here which claims to be concerned with decency, a pure party. Blue and White? You make me laugh!”


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--Turkey will activate Russian S-400 missile systems -minister

ANKARA - Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday that Turkey will activate the S-400 missile systems which it @ @ @ @ @ there should be `` no doubt '' about this .

ANKARA - Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday that Turkey will activate the S-400 missile systems which it has bought from Russia and there should be "no doubt" about this.
Akar was speaking in an interview with broadcaster CNN Turk.


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--Man arrested after muezzin stabbed inside London mosque

A muezzin in his 70s was stabbed as he led prayers in a London mosque on Thursday and the assailant was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder , police and mosque officials said .
`` The muezzin did not sustain any life-threatening injuries but was seriously injured and is being treated at the hospital , '' the London Central Mosque Trust said in a statement .
London 's Metropolitan Police said detectives did not believe the incident was terrorism-related .
`` A 29-year-old man , who is believed to have been attending prayers , was arrested inside the mosque on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added in a statement .
Pictures posted on Twitter showed police officers restraining a man in the prayer hall of the mosque , near Regents Park , and leading him away .
A witness said around 100 worshippers were in the mosque hall at the time of the attack and that roughly 20 people jumped on the assailant .
`` I heard screaming , '' said the witness , who declined to give his full name , `` and then we saw the blood . ''
He said the victim was stabbed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had been attending the mosque for about six months before Thursday 's incident .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was deeply saddened to hear of the attack .
`` It 's so awful that this should happen , especially in a place of worship .
My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected , '' Johnson said on Twitter .

A muezzin in his 70s was stabbed as he led prayers in a London mosque on Thursday and the assailant was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police and mosque officials said.
"The muezzin did not sustain any life-threatening injuries but was seriously injured and is being treated at the hospital," the London Central Mosque Trust said in a statement.
London's Metropolitan Police said detectives did not believe the incident was terrorism-related.
"A 29-year-old man, who is believed to have been attending prayers, was arrested inside the mosque on suspicion of attempted murder," they added in a statement.
Pictures posted on Twitter showed police officers restraining a man in the prayer hall of the mosque, near Regents Park, and leading him away.
A witness said around 100 worshippers were in the mosque hall at the time of the attack and that roughly 20 people jumped on the assailant.
"I heard screaming," said the witness, who declined to give his full name, "and then we saw the blood."
He said the victim was stabbed on top of his shoulder by a man who had been attending the mosque for about six months before Thursday's incident.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was deeply saddened to hear of the attack.
"It's so awful that this should happen, especially in a place of worship. My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected," Johnson said on Twitter.


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--Turkish Minister: US may send Patriot systems to Turkey to use in Idlib

ISTANBUL - Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday that the United States may send Patriot missile systems to @ @ @ @ @ in the face of the conflict in northwestern Syria 's Idlib region .

ISTANBUL - Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday that the United States may send Patriot missile systems to Turkey to use for security in the face of the conflict in northwestern Syria's Idlib region.
Speaking in an interview with broadcaster CNN Turk, Akar said talks with the United States on purchasing Patriot systems were also continuing.


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--Bloomberg campaign spends over $200 million in January

WASHINGTON - US presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg 's campaign spent $ 220.6 million in January , with most of the @ @ @ @ @ , his campaign said on Thursday .
The spending brought total outlays by the campaign @ @ @ @ @ million , the campaign said in a statement ahead of a more detailed filing due @ @ @ @ @ the day to the Federal Election Commission .

WASHINGTON - US presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg's campaign spent$220.6 million in January, with most of the money going to television advertising, his campaign said on Thursday.
The spending brought total outlays by the campaign so far to $409 million, the campaign said in a statement ahead of a more detailed filing due to be submitted later in the day to the Federal Election Commission.


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--Turkey, Russia discussing use of Syrian air space in Idlib

ISTANBUL - Turkey and Russia are discussing the use of Syrian air space in the northwestern region of Idlib and @ @ @ @ @ if Russia `` steps aside , '' Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told broadcaster CNN @ @ @ @ @ an interview recorded earlier in the day , Akar said that there was `` healthy @ @ @ @ @ Turkish officials on the ground in Idlib and that Turkey would not accept any proposals @ @ @ @ @ in the region .

ISTANBUL - Turkey and Russia are discussing the use of Syrian air space in the northwestern region of Idlib and the problem can be overcome if Russia "steps aside," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told broadcaster CNN Turk on Thursday.
In an interview recorded earlier in the day, Akar said that there was "healthy dialog" between Russian and Turkish officials on the ground in Idlib and that Turkey would not accept any proposals to move its observations posts in the region.


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--More coronavirus cases in Iran

More coronavirus cases in Iran

DUBAI - Iranian health officials urged all religious gatherings to be suspended in Qom , news agency ISNA said on Thursday , after two more people tested positive for the coronavirus in the holy city , where two died of it this week .
In all , three more people had tested positive for the virus , an Iranian health ministry spokesman said .
`` Two people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Qom and one person in Arak , bringing the total of confirmed cases to five in Iran , '' spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said in a tweet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person in the central city of Arak was a doctor from Qom , the semi-official news agency ISNA reported .
None of the people who were diagnosed with coronavirus were known to have traveled to China or were in contact with anyone who had gone there , Mohammad Mehdi Gouya , the head of the center for the management of communicable diseases at Iran 's ministry of health , said on Thursday , according to the IRIB news agency .
But the health ministry is investigating the matter , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspension of all religious gatherings in Qom , a Shi'ite Muslim holy city 120 km ( 75 miles ) south of the capital Tehran .
Two Iranians died in hospital after testing positive in Qom , the head of the city 's University of Medical Sciences said on Wednesday .
Iraqi Airways has suspended flight service to neighboring Iran as a protective measure against the coronavirus outbreak , the Iraqi state news agency said on Thursday .
The epidemic originated in China and has killed more than 2,100 people there .
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than previously thought has added to the internatonal alarm over the outbreak .

DUBAI - Iranian health officials urged all religious gatherings to be suspended in Qom, news agency ISNA said on Thursday, after two more people tested positive for the coronavirus in the holy city, where two died of it this week.
In all, three more people had tested positive for the virus, an Iranian health ministry spokesman said.
"Two people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Qom and one person in Arak, bringing the total of confirmed cases to five in Iran," spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said in a tweet.
Jahanpur said all patients were Iranian and the person in the central city of Arak was a doctor from Qom, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported.
None of the people who were diagnosed with coronavirus were known to have traveled to China or were in contact with anyone who had gone there, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, the head of the center for the management of communicable diseases at Iran's ministry of health, said on Thursday, according to the IRIB news agency.
But the health ministry is investigating the matter, he said.
Iran holds parliamentary elections on Friday.
Jahanpur said health officials had called for the suspension of all religious gatherings in Qom, a Shi'ite Muslim holy city 120 km (75 miles) south of the capital Tehran.
Two Iranians died in hospital after testing positive in Qom, the head of the city's University of Medical Sciences said on Wednesday.
Iraqi Airways has suspended flight service to neighboring Iran as a protective measure against the coronavirus outbreak, the Iraqi state news agency said on Thursday.
The epidemic originated in China and has killed more than 2,100 people there. New research suggesting the virus is more contagious than previously thought has added to the internatonal alarm over the outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--US agency that handles Trump's secure communication suffered data breach

WASHINGTON - The US defense agency responsible for secure White House communications said Social Security numbers and other personal data in its network may have been compromised , according to a letter seen by Reuters on Thursday that was sent to people possibly affected .
The letter , dated Feb. 11 , 2020 , says that between May and July 2019 , personal data may have been compromised `` in a data breach '' of a system hosted by the Defense Information Systems Agency .
The agency provides direct telecommunications and IT support for President Donald Trump , Vice President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Secret Service , according to its website .
It also provides direct support to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior members of the armed forces , and its field offices support US military commanders abroad .
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
The letter gave few further details .
For example , it did not say what part of DISA 's network had been breached , nor identify which individuals may have had their data compromised .
The term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hackers penetrating a network to a supposedly secure server being accidentally exposed to the internet .
The agency 's letter said it had no evidence any personal data possibly taken was misused , but that it was required to notify individuals who may have had data taken .
Pentagon spokesman Chuck Prichard said individuals possibly affected were being offered `` information about actions that can be taken to mitigate possible negative impacts '' of the breach , as well as free credit monitoring .
DISA , headquartered at Fort Meade in Maryland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to its website .
Prichard did not say how many people could have been affected by the breach , saying only that DISA had investigated the incident `` and taken appropriate measures to secure the network . ''

WASHINGTON - The US defense agency responsible for secure White House communications said Social Security numbers and other personal data in its network may have been compromised, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Thursday that was sent to people possibly affected.
The letter, dated Feb. 11, 2020, says that between May and July 2019, personal data may have been compromised "in a data breach" of a system hosted by the Defense Information Systems Agency.
The agency provides direct telecommunications and IT support for President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, their staff, and the U.S. Secret Service, according to its website.
It also provides direct support to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior members of the armed forces, and its field offices support US military commanders abroad.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The letter gave few further details. For example, it did not say what part of DISA's network had been breached, nor identify which individuals may have had their data compromised.
The term data breach can have many meanings, from hackers penetrating a network to a supposedly secure server being accidentally exposed to the internet.
The agency's letter said it had no evidence any personal data possibly taken was misused, but that it was required to notify individuals who may have had data taken.
Pentagon spokesman Chuck Prichard said individuals possibly affected were being offered "information about actions that can be taken to mitigate possible negative impacts" of the breach, as well as free credit monitoring.
DISA, headquartered at Fort Meade in Maryland, employs about 8,000 military and civilians, according to its website. Prichard did not say how many people could have been affected by the breach, saying only that DISA had investigated the incident "and taken appropriate measures to secure the network."


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--More companies interested in using humanitarian channel to Iran

WASHINGTON - US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday the United States is in talks with at @ @ @ @ @ would like to send food and medicine to Iran through the Swiss humanitarian channel .
@ @ @ @ @ companies are showing a lot of interest in the channel , intended to supply goods @ @ @ @ @ tripping over US sanctions .

WASHINGTON - US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday the United States is in talks with at least two more companies that would like to send food and medicine to Iran through the Swiss humanitarian channel.
Hook also told reporters that companies are showing a lot of interest in the channel, intended to supply goods to the struggling population without tripping over US sanctions.


jerusalempost--2020-02-20--Israeli suspected of overcharging the US govt extradited to the US

Suhil Halon , an Israeli who has been indicted with charges of fraud was extradited to the US from Israel @ @ @ @ @ fraud is said to have been committed over a decade .
Suhil allegedly overcharged the @ @ @ @ @ as the owner of a grocery store , cheating the US government out of $ @ @ @ @ @ also been charged with the illegal possession of a gun .

Suhil Halon, an Israeli who has been indicted with charges of fraud was extradited to the US from Israel on Thursday to face charges.The fraud is said to have been committed over a decade. Suhil allegedly overcharged the US government for food stamps as the owner of a grocery store, cheating the US government out of $5.1 million. He has also been charged with the illegal possession of a gun.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--6 cases of coronavirus in northern Italy

`` We have got six cases of coronavirus , '' Lombardy councilor Giulio Gallera told a news conference , adding @ @ @ @ @ had been in contact with the patients were now being tested to see if they @ @ @ @ @ first person confirmed to have contracted the virus was believed to have fallen ill after @ @ @ @ @ recently returned from China .
Residents of the northern towns of Codogno and Castiglione d'Adda @ @ @ @ @ at home as medical tests continued .

"We have got six cases of coronavirus," Lombardy councilor Giulio Gallera told a news conference, adding that hundreds of people who had been in contact with the patients were now being tested to see if they had been infected.
The first person confirmed to have contracted the virus was believed to have fallen ill after meeting a friend who had recently returned from China. Residents of the northern towns of Codogno and Castiglione d'Adda were being urged to stay at home as medical tests continued.
Six Italians have tested positive for the coronavirus in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, a local official said on Friday in the first known cases of local transmission in Italy of the potentially deadly illness.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--First case of coronavirus reported in Lebanon

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Earlier this week, the World Health Organization said there have been nine other confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Eight cases were reported by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention, and one case was reported by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. According to WHO, some of those in the region who contracted the disease have already fully recovered and been released from the hospital.With the addition of the individual diagnosed early Friday in Israel and this person in Lebanon, there are now 11 cases in the region.The Worldometer website, which reports coronavirus statistics in real time, is showing that there 76,823 total cases have been diagnosed and 2,250 deaths have been reported. Of those who contracted the virus, the site reports that 18,902 have recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Witness in Rabbi Berland case attacked by multiple assailants - report

Berland has not denied giving Mentos as part of a curative blessing to those dealing with terminal illness .
However @ @ @ @ @ the practice , saying that `` the cure he [ Berland ] gives is deep @ @ @ @ @ not the material world .
Does anyone really think he started a medical start-up and @ @ @ @ @ in the world could not ?
“ It doesn ’ t matter if it is @ @ @ @ @ the blessing he gives is the cure .
He gives his blessing using a material @ @ @ @ @ if it 's Mentos or Tic Tacs , it 's the cure .
If you @ @ @ @ @ believe in the cure .
If you don ’ t , you don ’ t @ @

Berland has not denied giving Mentos as part of a curative blessing to those dealing with terminal illness. However, his defense attorney defended the practice, saying that "the cure he [Berland] gives is deep in the spirit world and not the material world. Does anyone really think he started a medical start-up and succeeded where all the doctors in the world could not?
“It doesn’t matter if it is Mentos or Tic Tacs, the blessing he gives is the cure. He gives his blessing using a material means, therefore no matter if it's Mentos or Tic Tacs, it's the cure. If you believe in blessings then you believe in the cure. If you don’t, you don’t.” “It doesn’t matter if it is Mentos or Tic Tacs, the blessing he gives is the cure. He gives his blessing using a material means, therefore no matter if it's Mentos or Tic Tacs, it's the cure. If you believe in blessings then you believe in the cure. If you don’t, you don’t.”
A witness in the case against Rabbi Eliezer Berland was reportedly attacked on Thursday night by multiple assailants with batons, according to Channel 12 news.Berland, as he has been accused of giving mint Mentos as a curative blessing to terminally ill patients who paid him.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Israeli that returned home from cruise tests positive for coronavirus

Some of the Israelis released were frustrated about having to spend time in quarantine even after they return to Israel , though now it 's proving necessary .
Two of the Israelis who returned were related to Israelis who were infected and remained in Japan for further treatment.It is not clear if the woman that tested positive after arriving in Israel is one of the passengers that were related to Israelis that had to remain in Japan .
11 of the 15 Israelis quarantined aboard the Diamond Princess departed Thursday on a charter plane and arrived at Ben-Gurion Airport on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Diamond Princess were revealed to be sick with the coronavirus when they returned home , even though they were found to be healthy when tested in Japan .
Rossella Tercatin contributed to this report .
Twelve Israelis were supposed to be on the 14-seat private jet , but at the last minute , a fourth passenger tested positive for coronavirus and was transferred to a Japanese hospital .
Three other infected Israelis are recovering in Japanese military hospitals.Two Australians who were released from the Diamond Princess were revealed to be sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even though they were found to be healthy when tested in Japan.Rossella Tercatin contributed to this report .
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the situation , the 11 travelers who returned will remain in quarantine for two weeks .
People who are infected with the coronavirus do n't necessarily show symptoms , but could still spread the disease .

One of the 11 Israelis aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship who was allowed to disembark in Yokohama port and evacuated to Israel was diagnosed with coronavirus upon her return to the country on Friday. All 11 passengers are in a 14-day quarantine at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer in Ramat Gan.
Dr. Gili Regev Yochay, head of Sheba Medical Centers Infectious Diseases unit, said the woman is asymptomatic, meaning she is a carrier of Covid-2019 but is not feeling sick. Yochay stressed that the patient tested negative before boarding the 14-seat private jet last week, which brought 11 Israelis of the 15 who had been quarantined on the cruise ship since February 3 back to Israel.
“She was in a lot of stress,” upon hearing her diagnosis, Yochay said, “but we made a big effort to calm her and her family down.”
The passenger is the girlfriend of one of the four passengers diagnosed with coronavirus before leaving Japan.
“On our end, it is not a big surprise,” Yochay continued. “We were ready for this.”
Sheba set up an isolation unit some two km from the main facility ahead of the Israelis’ arrival and is using telemedicine and strict precautions to care for the patients.
“We brought them [back to Israel] because they are Israeli citizens and this is the place they should be,” Yochay told the press over the weekend. “We are proud” to host them at Sheba. “Every day, more and more people got ill [on the ship], and I think it is a national mission to bring these people back.”
A spokesperson for the families told media Saturday night that the families enjoyed a relaxing Shabbat and were working on transitioning from a situation of intense stress to a more relaxing one.
“Some people felt slightly unwell as the pressure of the last two weeks decreased,” the spokesperson said.
Yochay noted that the hospital is frequently checking people for the virus. The Israelis will remain in quarantine at Sheba for 14 days.
In addition, she said the hospital is in touch with the Israeli physician who is caring for the four Israelis who contracted Covid-19 aboard the ship and are being treated in a military hospital in Japan. They, too, are asymptomatic, she said.
Similarly, two Australians who were related from the same Diamond Princess ship were found to be sick upon return to their country, as well. While in Japan, they tested negative.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Attempted stabbing attack in Jerusalem

Attempted stabbing attack in Jerusalem

A woman attempted to stab a man near the Armon HaNetziv Promenade in Jerusalem on Friday, according to Israel Police. The man was uninjured and a nearby civilian and police officers managed to overpower the suspected terrorist who was transferred for questioning by police."I was walking in the area and heard screams. Civilians were panicking because of a woman holding a knife. I ran towards her and knocked the knife out of her hand. Meanwhile I asked the United Hatzalah center to call police to the scene. With the help of additional civilians, we kept her under control until the police came," said Yehiel Mayberg, a medic with United Hatzalah of Israel.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Italian national tests positive for coronavirus in Italy

The 38-year old man has been admitted to a hospital in the Northern town of Codogno and further medical tests @ @ @ @ @ region said .
It would be the fourth case confirmed in Italy after two Chinese @ @ @ @ @ positive .

The 38-year old man has been admitted to a hospital in the Northern town of Codogno and further medical tests are still underway, the region said.
It would be the fourth case confirmed in Italy after two Chinese tourists and another Italian tested positive.
An Italian national has tested positive for the new coronavirus, a statement of the Lombardy region said early on Friday morning.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Taliban reduced violence pact to begin at midnight

Afghan , international and Taliban forces will observe the reduced violence period beginning at midnight ( 1930 GMT ) , an Afghan official and Taliban leaders said earlier .
`` Following lengthy negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America , both parties agreed to sign the finalized accord in the presence of international observers , '' a Taliban spokesman said in a statement .
Both sides would also make arrangements for the release of prisoners , spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said .
Separately , Pompeo said in a statement that the United States and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilitate a political settlement in Afghanistan and to reduce the US presence in the region .
The agreement will be signed upon the successful implementation of an understanding with the Taliban on a significant and nationwide reduction in violence , Pompeo added .
The agreement could represent a chance for peace in the country after years of war and a US troop presence that dates back to 2001 .
`` Based on the plan , the reduction in violence ( RIV ) will start between the Taliban and international and Afghan security forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , spokesperson for the Afghan National Security Advisor , told Reuters .
`` We hope it is extended for a longer time and opens the way for a ceasefire and intra-Afghan talks , '' he added .
Three senior Taliban leaders - two in Doha and one in Afghanistan - also confirmed to Reuters that they had agreed on reduction of violence in Afghanistan for seven days starting Friday night .
All three spoke on condition of anonymity .
One Taliban leader based in Doha told Reuters that the period could not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every party has the right of self defense but there would no attacks on each other ’ s positions in these seven days , ” the Taliban leader said .
“ It is to create a security environment in Afghanistan and can be extended if things go well after signing of a peace accord with the US , ” he added .
Officials privy to the talks had said last week that an agreement with the Taliban would be followed by negotiations on an intra-Afghan political settlement between the Taliban and an Afghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Taliban have previously refused to speak directly to the Kabul government , which they denounce as a US puppet .
Afghan forces will keep up normal military operations against other groups such as Islamic State , during the RIV period , Afghan spokesman Faisal said .
He added that Afghan forces will also retaliate against the smallest violation of the understanding by the Taliban .
`` Local government and security officials have been instructed by the president himself on how to follow the regulations agreed upon for the RIV period , '' @ @ @

The United States and the Taliban will sign an agreement on Feb. 29 at the end of a week long period of violence reduction in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Taliban said on Friday.
Afghan, international and Taliban forces will observe the reduced violence period beginning at midnight (1930 GMT), an Afghan official and Taliban leaders said earlier.
"Following lengthy negotiations between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America, both parties agreed to sign the finalized accord in the presence of international observers," a Taliban spokesman said in a statement.
Both sides would also make arrangements for the release of prisoners, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.
Separately, Pompeo said in a statement that the United States and the Taliban have been engaged in talks to facilitate a political settlement in Afghanistan and to reduce the US presence in the region.
The agreement will be signed upon the successful implementation of an understanding with the Taliban on a significant and nationwide reduction in violence, Pompeo added.
The agreement could represent a chance for peace in the country after years of war and a US troop presence that dates back to 2001.
US and Taliban negotiators have been meeting in Doha since 2018 even though fighting has raged in Afghanistan and thousands of civilians and combatants have been killed as the insurgents have expanded their territorial control.
"Based on the plan, the reduction in violence (RIV) will start between the Taliban and international and Afghan security forces for one week," Javid Faisal, spokesperson for the Afghan National Security Advisor, told Reuters.
"We hope it is extended for a longer time and opens the way for a ceasefire and intra-Afghan talks," he added.
Three senior Taliban leaders - two in Doha and one in Afghanistan - also confirmed to Reuters that they had agreed on reduction of violence in Afghanistan for seven days starting Friday night. All three spoke on condition of anonymity.
NOT A 'CEASEFIRE'
One Taliban leader based in Doha told Reuters that the period could not be called a "ceasefire."
"Every party has the right of self defense but there would no attacks on each other’s positions in these seven days,” the Taliban leader said.
“It is to create a security environment in Afghanistan and can be extended if things go well after signing of a peace accord with the US,” he added.
Officials privy to the talks had said last week that an agreement with the Taliban would be followed by negotiations on an intra-Afghan political settlement between the Taliban and an Afghan delegation that would include government officials.
The Taliban have previously refused to speak directly to the Kabul government, which they denounce as a US puppet.
Afghan forces will keep up normal military operations against other groups such as Islamic State, during the RIV period, Afghan spokesman Faisal said.
He added that Afghan forces will also retaliate against the smallest violation of the understanding by the Taliban.
"Local government and security officials have been instructed by the president himself on how to follow the regulations agreed upon for the RIV period," he said.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Kinneret water level rises by 1.5 cm in one day

The water level of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) rose by 1.5 cm between Thursday and Friday, bringing the water level to -209.825 meters, according to the Water Authority. The Kinneret is now 1.025 meters below the upper red line threshold which marks 208.9 meters below sea level.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--China says earliest coronavirus vaccine set for April trials

The earliest vaccine for the coronavius that has killed more than 2,000 in China alone will be submitted for clinical trials around late April, China's Vice Science and Technology Minister Xu Nanping said on Friday.Xu made the remarks during a press briefing. Zhou Qi, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, also told reporters companies which have resumed operations should ensure proper ventilation and maintain a safe distance among workers.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--South Korea reports 52 new coronavirus cases, brings total to 156

South Korea reported 52 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, taking the national tally to 156, the Yonhap news agency said on Friday, citing health authorities.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Saudi Arabia intercepts, destroys missiles fired from Yemen

Saudi Arabia said on early Friday it had intercepted and destroyed several ballistic missiles launched by Houthi militia towards Saudi cities, state news agency SPA quoted the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned group as saying.The spokesman for the coalition said the missiles were fired from the Yemeni capital Sanaa and were aimed at cities and civilians, SPA added.Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the attack yet.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Flight carrying British evacuees from coronavirus-hit cruise ship in Japan takes off

Britain's Foreign Office on Friday said the evacuation flight for its nationals on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship has taken off from Japan, following the coronavirus outbreak.The flight, carrying 32 British and other European passengers along with British government and medical staff, is due to land in Britain on Saturday morning, it said in a tweet


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--London police charges man after mosque stabbing incident

London police said on Friday that Daniel Horton , arrested for stabbing a prayer leader at a mosque in Park @ @ @ @ @ with section 18 GBH and possession of a bladed article .
Horton was arrested on @ @ @ @ @ murder , police and mosque officials said .

London police said on Friday that Daniel Horton, arrested for stabbing a prayer leader at a mosque in Park Road, has been charged with section 18 GBH and possession of a bladed article.
Horton was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of attempted murder, police and mosque officials said.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--US charges ex-DEA agent with laundering millions in drug funds

In an indictment unsealed Friday , prosecutors said Jose Irizarry had been `` enriching himself by secretly using his position and his special access to information . ''
He used the money , they said , to fund a lavish lifestyle of expensive homes and cars and a $ 30,000 Tiffany ring .
Federal prosecutors said Irizarry used his position with the drug agency to launder money with the help of what they described as a `` Colombia-based drug trafficking and money laundering organization '' that he was ostensibly investigating .
Prosecutors also charged his wife , Nathalia Gomez-Irizarry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday in Puerto Rico .
They are charged with 19 counts of fraud , conspiracy and identity theft .
Prosecutors alleged that Irizarry , once a decorated agent , took advantage of a particularly sensitive type of undercover DEA investigation , in which agents pose as money launderers , collecting cash from drug dealers and funneling it through undercover bank accounts .
They said Irizarry secretly diverted that money instead to accounts he and other conspirators controlled .
In late 2013 , prosecutors said , Irizarry helped collect nearly $ 1.1 million from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undercover DEA bank accounts .
Irizarry then had more than half of that money wired to accounts controlled by one of his associates .
Two years later , Irizarry helped collect more than 1 million euros in `` bulk cash '' from traffickers in the Netherlands , then had $ 141,000 wired to a car dealer for himself and the head of the Colombian trafficking group .
Irizarry and the unnamed conspirators used the money to `` purchase jewelry , luxury vehicles , a home , and to make cash gifts to friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictment .
Irizarry resigned from the DEA in 2018 .
A lawyer assigned to represent Irizarry , Jose L. Novas-Debien , could not immediately be reached for comment .

U.S. authorities arrested a former Drug Enforcement Administration agent on Friday on charges he conspired with Colombian drug traffickers to steal millions of dollars the U.S. government had seized from suspected dealers.
In an indictment unsealed Friday, prosecutors said Jose Irizarry had been "enriching himself by secretly using his position and his special access to information." He used the money, they said, to fund a lavish lifestyle of expensive homes and cars and a $30,000 Tiffany ring.
Federal prosecutors said Irizarry used his position with the drug agency to launder money with the help of what they described as a "Colombia-based drug trafficking and money laundering organization" that he was ostensibly investigating. Prosecutors also charged his wife, Nathalia Gomez-Irizarry.
FBI agents arrested Irizarry and his wife Friday in Puerto Rico. They are charged with 19 counts of fraud, conspiracy and identity theft.
Prosecutors alleged that Irizarry, once a decorated agent, took advantage of a particularly sensitive type of undercover DEA investigation, in which agents pose as money launderers, collecting cash from drug dealers and funneling it through undercover bank accounts. They said Irizarry secretly diverted that money instead to accounts he and other conspirators controlled.
In late 2013, prosecutors said, Irizarry helped collect nearly $1.1 million from suspected drug dealers that was deposited into undercover DEA bank accounts. Irizarry then had more than half of that money wired to accounts controlled by one of his associates.
Two years later, Irizarry helped collect more than 1 million euros in "bulk cash" from traffickers in the Netherlands, then had $141,000 wired to a car dealer for himself and the head of the Colombian trafficking group.
Irizarry and the unnamed conspirators used the money to "purchase jewelry, luxury vehicles, a home, and to make cash gifts to friends and family," according to the indictment.
Irizarry resigned from the DEA in 2018. A lawyer assigned to represent Irizarry, Jose L. Novas-Debien, could not immediately be reached for comment.
His arrest is the latest black eye for the DEA. Last week, another former agent was sentenced to prison for helping traffickers smuggle thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--First Italian patient dies of coronavirus

A patient in the northern city of Padua has died after being infected with the Coronavirus , becoming the first @ @ @ @ @ , Ansa news agency reported on Friday .
Health authorities announced earlier on Friday 15 @ @ @ @ @ the wealthy northern region of Lombardy and two in neighboring Veneto where Padua is located @ @ @ @ @ man was aged 78 .

A patient in the northern city of Padua has died after being infected with the Coronavirus, becoming the first Italian victim of the disease, Ansa news agency reported on Friday.
Health authorities announced earlier on Friday 15 cases of the virus in the wealthy northern region of Lombardy and two in neighboring Veneto where Padua is located.
Ansa said the dead man was aged 78.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Bloomberg says three women who signed non-disclosure agreements can be released

`` If any of them want to be released from their NDA so that they can talk about those allegations @ @ @ @ @ company and they 'll be given a release , '' Bloomberg said in a statement @

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg said on Friday that his company had reviewed its records and found three women who had signed non-disclosure agreements related to their complaints about statements he made personally.
"If any of them want to be released from their NDA so that they can talk about those allegations, they should contact the company and they'll be given a release," Bloomberg said in a statement.
"I've done a lot of reflecting on this issue over the past few days and I've decided that for as long as I'm running the company, we won't offer confidentiality agreements to resolve claims of sexual harassment or misconduct going forward," he added.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Weinstein jury deadlocked on most serious sexual assault charges

The jury in Harvey Weinstein 's sexual assault trial in New York said on Friday they were deadlocked on the @ @ @ @ @ suggested they were unanimous on the others leveled against the former Hollywood mogul .
Some @ @ @ @ @ 's questions made it appear the seven men and five women were nearing a guilty @ @ @ @ @ of the five counts against the producer of movies including The English Patient and Shakespeare @ @ @ @ @ within Weinstein 's defense team said speculation about the verdict would be `` premature and @ @ @ @

The jury in Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault trial in New York said on Friday they were deadlocked on the most serious criminal charges and suggested they were unanimous on the others leveled against the former Hollywood mogul.
Some legal experts said the jury's questions made it appear the seven men and five women were nearing a guilty verdict on at least one of the five counts against the producer of movies including The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love.
A source within Weinstein's defense team said speculation about the verdict would be "premature and a mistake."


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Nevada Democrats report high early caucus participation

Nevada on Saturday holds its caucuses , the third contest in the state-by-state battle to determine a Democratic challenger to @ @ @ @ @ the Nov. 3 election .
The party said the majority of the early caucus voters @ @ @ @ @ the process .
The number of early participants is nearly as high as the entire @ @ @ @ @ when 84,000 Nevadans participated .

Nevada on Saturday holds its caucuses, the third contest in the state-by-state battle to determine a Democratic challenger to Republican President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election. The party said the majority of the early caucus voters were first time participants in the process. The number of early participants is nearly as high as the entire caucus count from 2016, when 84,000 Nevadans participated.
LAS VEGAS - Nearly 75,000 Nevadans participated early in the state's Democratic U.S. presidential nominating contest, the party said on Friday, a sign of a potentially large turnout in the first test for the candidates in the diverse western United States.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Iran extends voting in election by two hours due to 'rush of voters'- TV

`` Polling hours have been extended by two hours until 8 p.m. ( 1630 GMT ) , ” state TV @ @ @ @ @ saying

"Polling hours have been extended by two hours until 8 p.m. (1630 GMT),” state TV quoted the Interior Ministry as saying
DUBAI - Iran extended voting by two hours on Friday because of a “rush of voters” in the parliamentary election, state television reported.


jerusalempost--2020-02-21--Netanyahu challenges Gantz to answer questions on Fifth Dimension

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called upon Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on Friday to respond to a series of questions about what happened to his bankrupt company , the Fifth Dimension , before the March 2 election .
In a video he posted , Netanyahu said Blue and White can no longer talk about clean governance .
`` Benny Gantz and the Fifth Dimension company he led are the subject of a serious criminal investigation for misleading the police , got without a tender a contract for NIS 50 million in taxpayer money , never returned the four million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a product and customers that do not exist , '' Netanyahu said .
`` This is the only experience of Gantz in civilian life .
This is not only criminal , the company also went bankrupt . ''
Netanyahu asked Gantz , who is not a suspect in the case , about the NIS 50 million contract and the NIS 4 million that was taken , the company 's incorrect statements about its experience and its product and how he met with then police inspector-general Roni Alsheikh .
He also asked if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without permission .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called upon Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on Friday to respond to a series of questions about what happened to his bankrupt company, the Fifth Dimension, before the March 2 election.
In a video he posted, Netanyahu said Blue and White can no longer talk about clean governance.
"Benny Gantz and the Fifth Dimension company he led are the subject of a serious criminal investigation for misleading the police, got without a tender a contract for NIS 50 million in taxpayer money, never returned the four million shekels they kept and pretended to have a product and customers that do not exist," Netanyahu said. "This is the only experience of Gantz in civilian life. This is not only criminal, the company also went bankrupt."
Netanyahu asked Gantz, who is not a suspect in the case, about the NIS 50 million contract and the NIS 4 million that was taken, the company's incorrect statements about its experience and its product and how he met with then police inspector-general Roni Alsheikh. He also asked if the company provided classified information to officials abroad without permission.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Avigdor Liberman: Shas and United Torah Judaism aren't Zionist parties

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman said today in a cultural event on Saturday that Shas and United Torah of Judaism (UTJ), both ultra-Orthodox (haredi) parties, are not Zionist, Israel HaYom reported.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Samsung Electronics confirms coronavirus case at factory in South Korea

SEOUL - Samsung Electronics said on Saturday that one coronavirus case had been confirmed at its mobile device factory complex @ @ @ @ @ Gumi , causing a shutdown of its entire facility .
Samsung Electronics , the world @ @ @ @ @ said it plans to close the complex until the morning of February 24 The floor @ @ @ @ @ will be shut down until the morning of February 25 .

SEOUL - Samsung Electronics said on Saturday that one coronavirus case had been confirmed at its mobile device factory complex in the southeastern city of Gumi, causing a shutdown of its entire facility.
Samsung Electronics, the world's top smartphone maker, said it plans to close the complex until the morning of February 24
The floor where the infected employee worked will be shut down until the morning of February 25.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--China brings in seven cruise ships to house Wuhan medical workers

The first of these ships , the Blue Whale , arrived in Wuhan , the epicenter of the outbreak , on Friday from Yichang , a nearby city down the Yangtze River .
The seven ships will provide 1,469 beds in total .
Tens of thousands of medical workers have been brought into central Hubei province and its capital , Wuhan , from across China to help contain the coronavirus outbreak .
A senior Chinese health official said last week as of Feb. 11 , 1,716 health workers had been infected by the coronavirus , SARS-Cov-2 , including several who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for river cruises in the Three Gorges scenic area , Xinhua added .
The ships are expected to provide safe dining and living conditions for medics to keep them refreshed as they fight the epidemic , state media said .
The Diamond Princess , held under quarantine in Yokohoma , Japan , since Feb. 3 , has reported more than 630 cases , accounting for the biggest infection cluster outside China .
Several countries have already evacuated scores of passengers from the ship , which carried about 3,700 people .
A second group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amongst those flown home from Japan , Xinhua reported .

The first of these ships, the Blue Whale, arrived in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, on Friday from Yichang, a nearby city down the Yangtze River.
The seven ships will provide 1,469 beds in total.
Tens of thousands of medical workers have been brought into central Hubei province and its capital, Wuhan, from across China to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.
A senior Chinese health official said last week as of Feb. 11, 1,716 health workers had been infected by the coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2, including several who died.
The ships are normally used for river cruises in the Three Gorges scenic area, Xinhua added.
The ships are expected to provide safe dining and living conditions for medics to keep them refreshed as they fight the epidemic, state media said.
The Diamond Princess, held under quarantine in Yokohoma, Japan, since Feb. 3, has reported more than 630 cases, accounting for the biggest infection cluster outside China.
Several countries have already evacuated scores of passengers from the ship, which carried about 3,700 people. A second group of Chinese citizens from Hong Kong were amongst those flown home from Japan, Xinhua reported.
BEIJING - China is bringing in seven cruise ships to house medical workers in Wuhan, state media said on Saturday, at a time when such ships are under scrutiny after hundreds of passengers on the Diamond Princess liner in Japan contracted the coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Coronavirus incubation could be as long as 27 days - Chinese government

A longer incubation period could complicate efforts to contain spread of the epidemic that has so far killed more than @ @ @ @ @ China .
The man , only identified by his family name , Jiang , on @ @ @ @ @ back to Shennongjia , in northwestern Hubei , from eastern Ezhou , where he had @ @ @ @ @ , who had been infected , according to the government website of Hubei , the @ @ @ @ @ a fever on Feb. 20 and tested positive for coronavirus a day later , according @ @ @ @ @

A longer incubation period could complicate efforts to contain spread of the epidemic that has so far killed more than 2,000 people and spread outside China.
The man, only identified by his family name, Jiang, on Jan. 24 drove his car back to Shennongjia, in northwestern Hubei, from eastern Ezhou, where he had close contact with his sister, who had been infected, according to the government website of Hubei, the virus epicenter.
He had a fever on Feb. 20 and tested positive for coronavirus a day later, according to the government statement.
SHANGHAI - A 70-year-old man in China's Hubei Province was infected with coronavirus but did not show symptoms until 27 days later, the local government said on Saturday, meaning the virus' incubation period could be much longer than the presumed 14 days.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--China reports fall in coronavirus cases, says economy resilient

China reported a decrease in the number of new deaths and new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday , while @ @ @ @ @ limited short-term economic impact and said the country was confident in winning the fight against @ @ @ @ @ had 397 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections on Friday , down from 889 a @ @ @ @ @ health authority said .

China reported a decrease in the number of new deaths and new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday, while its central bank predicted a limited short-term economic impact and said the country was confident in winning the fight against the epidemic.
Mainland China had 397 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections on Friday, down from 889 a day earlier, the national health authority said.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--China reports 397 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on mainland

That brings the total accumulated number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 76,288 .
The death toll @ @ @ @ @ China had reached 2,345 as of the end of Feb. 21 .

Mainland China had 397 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections on Feb. 21, the country's National Health Commission said on Saturday, down from 889 cases a day earlier.
That brings the total accumulated number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 76,288.
The death toll from the outbreak in mainland China had reached 2,345 as of the end of Feb. 21.
The central province of Hubei, the epicenter of the outbreak, reported 106 new deaths, of which 90 were in the provincial capital of Wuhan.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Erdan: Police preparing for coronavirus-related election interference

`` In addition to preparing security forces for an extreme outbreak of coronavirus in Israel , I have instructed the @ @ @ @ @ situation in which the coronavirus could disrupt the coming elections , even in the form @ @ @ @ @ that could cause panic in some areas , causing some to stay home on election @ @ @ @ @ .

"In addition to preparing security forces for an extreme outbreak of coronavirus in Israel, I have instructed the police to prepare for a situation in which the coronavirus could disrupt the coming elections, even in the form of fake news being spread that could cause panic in some areas, causing some to stay home on election day," Erdan said. "In addition to preparing security forces for an extreme outbreak of coronavirus in Israel, I have instructed the police to prepare for a situation in which the coronavirus could disrupt the coming elections, even in the form of fake news being spread that could cause panic in some areas, causing some to stay home on election day," Erdan said.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan spoke about the coronavirus panic, and the aftermath of the virus' arrival to Israel on Saturday, warning of potential election interference that would somehow be caused by the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Education Ministry sends medical escort team to quarantined schoolchildren

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Minister of Education Rafi Peretz delivered a message on Saturday regarding the schoolchildren currently quarantined after coming in contact with tourists from South Korea, saying "I was updated on the case of students from Makif Tuviahu in Beersheba who came in contact with tourists from South Korea.""We have appointed a school escort team to take care of students staying in quarantine, and we are in continuous contact with the Ministry of Health and are acting in accordance with their guidelines."


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Netanyahu to hold coronavirus status evaluation meetings on Sunday

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to hold a meeting about the coronavirus in the Health Ministry 's `` war room @ @ @ @ @ meeting will be a continuation of last week 's discussions on preparation for dealing with @ @ @ @ @ light of recent developments .
Health Minister Ya'acov Litzman and other cabinet ministers and ministry @ @ @ @ @ to attend .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to hold a meeting about the coronavirus in the Health Ministry's "war room" on Sunday.
The meeting will be a continuation of last week's discussions on preparation for dealing with the virus' spread in light of recent developments.
Health Minister Ya'acov Litzman and other cabinet ministers and ministry and hospital directors-general are expected to attend.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Baby hospitalized with fever after spending time with S. Korean tourists

The baby was evacuated to a hospital with fever and cough , and has not yet been cleared from being @ @ @ @ @ .

The baby was evacuated to a hospital with fever and cough, and has not yet been cleared from being infected with the Wuhan coronavirus.
Parents of a 6-week-old baby reported on Saturday afternoon that their infant son had begun developing fever-like symptoms after he was in a church with South Korean tourists.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Tourists from Seoul to be barred from entering Israel

The Administration of Border Crossings, Population and Immigration has barred entry to tourists coming from Seoul through Ben-Gurion Airport who are supposed to arrive tonight.Israelis who are on the flight will be asked t follow the directions of the ministry of health. This is not yet a comprehensive ban applying to all arrivals from South Korea.


jerusalempost--2020-02-22--Russian, Turkish defense ministers discuss stabilization in Idlib

`` During the telephone conversation they discussed issues of stabilization of the situation in Idlib de-escalation zone , '' Interfax @ @ @ @ @ statement from the Defence Ministry .

"During the telephone conversation they discussed issues of stabilization of the situation in Idlib de-escalation zone," Interfax agency reported, citing a statement from the Defence Ministry.
MOSCOW - Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has discussed the situation in Syria's Idlib with his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--China still in crucial stage of coronavirus battle - President Xi Jinping

BEIJING - China's measures to deal with the coronavirus outbreak have been effective, but the battle is still at a crucial stage, President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying on Sunday.The situation is showing a positive trend after arduous efforts but remains serious and complex, state television quoted him as saying.He said the outbreak will have a relatively big hit on the economy and society but the government will step up policy support to help achieve economic and social development targets for 2020.China will maintain a prudent monetary policy and roll out new policy steps in a timely way, he said, adding the government will also study and roll out phased tax cuts to help tide small firms over difficulties.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Iran says in total 43 infected with coronavirus, 8 dead

DUBAI - Iran has confirmed 15 new cases of the new coronavirus, taking the total to 43 with a death toll of eight. Most of the infections have been in the Shi'ite Muslim holy city of Qom."The virus came from China to Qom city. A Merchant from Qom who died of the virus used to regularly travel to China ... Flights were suspended between the two countries but he used indirect flights," Health Minister Saeed Namaki said.He urged people to avoid traveling to Qom, a major destination for Shi'ite pilgrims 120 km (75 miles) south of the capital Tehran."Obviously we do not recommend trips to Qom or any other holy Shi'ite cities in Iran," Namaki said on state television.Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur announced the 15 new cases earlier on Sunday."So far, we have 43 infected cases and the death toll is eight," he told the television.Eight of the new infections were in Qom, where authorities have shut down schools and religious seminaries. In Tehran and some other cities, schools have been closed until Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Saudi-led coalition says foiled Red Sea attack by Yemen's Houthis

Naval forces from the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen on Sunday foiled an "imminent terrorist" attack by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in the southern Red Sea, a major commercial shipping channel, the coalition said.
The forces destroyed an unmanned boat laden with explosives that was launched from Hodeidah province in western Yemen, coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said in a statement on Saudi state news agency SPA, without identifying the targets.
There was no immediate confirmation from the Houthi movement, which has been battling the Sunni Muslim military coalition since 2015 in a conflict that is largely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and foe Shi'ite Iran.
Yemen lies along the Bab al-Mandeb strait at the southern mouth of the Red Sea, one of the most important trade routes for oil tankers heading from the Middle East to Europe.
Malki said the planned attack posed a threat to regional and international security and maritime trade. He said the use of Hodeidah for operations was a "glaring violation" of a U.N.-led peace deal in the disputed port city that was agreed between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Houthis in December 2018.
Violence rose in January, ending more than three months of unprecedented calm in the five-year-old conflict following informal ceasefire talks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Coalition warplanes carried out several air strikes on the Houthi-held capital Sanaa on Sunday, hitting the presidential palace and other military sites, residents told Reuters.
Malki said later that the operation on Sanaa had destroyed Houthi sites used to store ballistic missiles and drones.
The strikes were the first to hit the capital for several months, residents said, and followed attempted missile attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi cities on Friday, as the kingdom prepared for a gathering of finance ministers from the Group of 20 major economies in Riyadh.
The Western-backed coalition intervened in Yemen to try to restore the internationally recognized government that was ousted from power in Sanaa in late 2014 by the Houthis, who now control most major urban centers.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Hamas official: we have not reached an understanding with Israel

Following the recent rise in tensions along the Gaza border, a Hamas official said that they have yet to reach an understanding with Israel, until it "[meets] its commitments," according to a Ynet report.The official, Mahmoud al-Zahar, addressed the issue of an arrangement with Israel, saying that "Hamas has not reached new understandings of calm with Israel." He explained that "the resistance is putting pressure on Israel and forcing it to open the crossings, expand the fishing area and continue supplying electricity."


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Iraq extends ban on border crossings by Iranians

Baghdad had banned crossings by non-Iraqis from Iran on Thursday for three days and Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said @ @ @ @ @ ban would be extended .
He did not specify until when .
`` The prime @ @ @ @ @ of receiving travelers from the Islamic Republic of Iran except for Iraqis , '' his @ @ @ @ @ .
Neighboring Iraq and Iran , both home to Shi'ite Muslim majorities , share close @ @ @ @ @ trade ties .
Iran has suspended religious pilgrimage trips to Iraq .
Iraqi Airways suspended @ @ @ @

Iraq has extended an entry ban for any non-Iraqis coming from Iran, the prime minister said, as authorities in Tehran announced 15 more cases of coronavirus and a death toll of eight.
Baghdad had banned crossings by non-Iraqis from Iran on Thursday for three days and Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said on Saturday night that the ban would be extended. He did not specify until when.
"The prime minister ordered the ... halting of receiving travelers from the Islamic Republic of Iran except for Iraqis," his office said in a statement.
Neighboring Iraq and Iran, both home to Shi'ite Muslim majorities, share close religious, political, and trade ties. Iran has suspended religious pilgrimage trips to Iraq. Iraqi Airways suspended flights to Iran.
Iraq's health ministry said it had detected no cases in the country.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Netanyahu and Litzman discuss coronavirus dangers in Israel

On Sunday, the Health Ministry sent a memo to citizens announcing where the South Koreans went during their trip as well as reviewing guidelines about what to do if people came into contact with the pilgrims, including putting themselves into a 14-day period of isolation.
The ministry also recommends that if signs of illness develop – fever over 38°C, cough or other respiratory symptoms – individuals should seek medical attention.
Japan and South Korea were added to a growing list of countries that the ministry has labeled as contagious; it is requiring travelers who return from them to enter quarantine. The other countries are China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Thailand. The ministry said that as of Sunday, anyone who has been in South Korea or Japan during the last 14 days must put themselves into house isolation until 14 days have elapsed from the time of their departure from these countries.Japan and South Korea were added to a growing list of countries that the ministry has labeled as contagious; it is requiring travelers who return from them to enter quarantine. The other countries are China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Thailand.
As of Sunday, the entry of non-residents or citizens of Israel who were in South Korea during the 14 days prior to their arrival in Israel has been prevented. As of Monday, this directive will also apply for those arriving from Japan.
President Reuven Rivlin arrived in Australia on Friday and is expected to spend a week there visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Following the ministry's instructions regarding those returning from Australia, the spokesperson of the President's Residence issued the following statement: "The entourage from Beit HaNasi in Australia is not expected to change its planned schedule at present for the president's official visit. The director-general is in touch with the director-general of the ministry on the subject and we will update on any change that is necessary." In addition, anyone who has been in Taiwan, Italy or Australia during the past 14 days and who develops disease symptoms should be checked according to the guidelines listed on the Health Ministry website.President Reuven Rivlin arrived in Australia on Friday and is expected to spend a week there visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.Following the ministry's instructions regarding those returning from Australia, the spokesperson of the President's Residence issued the following statement: "The entourage from Beit HaNasi in Australia is not expected to change its planned schedule at present for the president's official visit. The director-general is in touch with the director-general of the ministry on the subject and we will update on any change that is necessary."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Ya'acov Litzman are meeting Sunday morning with senior officials to discuss the growing concern over the spread of the coronavirus. The meeting comes after hundreds of Israelis have called a special hotline focused on treating people suspected of having contracted the virus and the announcement that at least nine South Koreans who were in Israel were diagnosed with it.The hotline is for anyone who has been in contact with a coronavirus patient, is suspected of being infected with the virus, or has fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms. When a person calls, MDA explained, a medic or paramedic answers the call and determines whether to join a doctor onto the call, who will then decide how to proceed with medical care.Options for next steps include sending an ambulance to evacuate the patient to a hospital or sending a paramedic to the person’s home to take a blood sample for evaluation at Sheba Medical Center’s laboratory.So far, according to MDA, dozens of paramedics have undergone dedicated training on how to collect samples from potential patients in order to test for the virus. They have also been trained in how to stay fully protected against the infection themselves while taking these samples.On Sunday, MDA is scheduled to train an additional 70 paramedics at its Paramedic Education Center in Ramat Gan. Participants will practice taking patient samples while wearing full anti-contamination kits.The swell of calls to the hotlines came following an announcement Saturday that nine members of a large group of South Koreans who had been in the country from February 8 to 15 had been diagnosed with coronavirus and might have had the virus while in Israel. The South Koreans traveled all over the country with stops in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, among other places.At the start of the week, 180 Israeli students were put into isolation after reporting being exposed to the tourists.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Education Minister Peretz to stop travel to Poland due to coronavirus

Education Minister Rafi Peretz has announced that educational trips to Poland will be postponed due to ongoing fears in relation to the coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Public health comes before diplomatic relations, Foreign Ministry says

The health of the Israeli public is the government’s priority, before possible damage to ties with countries experiencing coronavirus outbreaks, Foreign Ministry Director-General Yuval Rotem said at an assessment meeting held by the ministry on Sunday.Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the Foreign Ministry “is taking the necessary steps to ensure the public’s health while keeping up the important relations with Asian countries. We will continue to act in coordination with the relevant authorities in Israel.”Rotem discussed the matter with Israel’s delegations in China, Japan and South Korea, who lamented that Israel’s response has harmed relations with those countries.Israel will try to keep harm to diplomatic relations to a minimum and continue an open dialogue with them, Rotem said.The Foreign Ministry also decided to send more staff to a special command room at Ben-Gurion Airport to help tourists who are banned from entering Israel.Rotem plans to meet with the South Korean Ambassador to Israel on Sunday afternoon.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Israel expected to prohibit entry to South Koreans, Japanese - report

Israel is expected to close the border to citizens from South Korea and Japan, after coronavirus scare in Israel, according to Channel 13.180 Israeli students are now in isolation after being exposed to South Korean tourists who tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a report done by Channel 12.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Twenty polling stations being readied due to coronavirus

The Central Elections Committee is working on preparing up to 20 polling stations for Israelis exposed to the coronavirus, CEC head Orly Ades said on Army Radio on Sunday morning.The special polling stations will be separate from others and will be intended for voters during their 14-day isolation period.The CEC is awaiting more instructions from the Health Ministry ahead of next Monday's election.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Baby locked in vehicle rescued by Israeli police

Israeli policeman rescued a baby locked in a vehicle in the city of Temra.According to the baby's mother, after opening her two-year-old baby's vehicle door, she placed her keys in the baby's car seat, so she could undo his car seat straps. For unclear reasons, she shut the vehicle door momentarily. During this time the vehicle doors locked, and the baby was then locked inside alone.The police who arrived at the scene were able to remove the vehicle door window pane, without smashing it, and opened the door to rescue the baby


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--China reports 97 more deaths, 648 new cases of coronavirus

SHANGHAI/BEIJING - Mainland China had 648 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections on Saturday, the National Health Commission said on Sunday, up from 397 the previous day.That brings the total number of confirmed cases in China to 76,936 so farThe death toll rose to 2,442, up by 97 from the previous day.The central province of Hubei, the epicenter of the outbreak, reported 96 new deaths, of which 82 were in the provincial capital, Wuhan.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--South Korea: Fourth patient dies from coronavirus

SEOUL - South Korea reported 123 new confirmed coronavirus cases and a fourth death from the virus, taking the national tally to 556, the Korea Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (KCDC) said on Sunday.More than half the additional cases were found to be linked to a church in the southeastern city of Daegu after a 61-year-old woman known as "Patient 31" who attended services there tested positive for the virus last week, KCDC said in a statement.The coronavirus originated in China and has spread to more than two dozen countries. China has reported 75,569 cases to the World Health Organization and 2,239 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-02-24--UK venue owners must plan for militant attacks - security minster

British venue owners will have to come up with plans to try to prevent militant attacks and deal with them better if they do happen, the government said on Monday, responding to a series of incidents in recent years.The interior ministry said it wanted to introduce a law creating a duty on owners and operators of venues and public spaces to consider the risk of an attack and their preparedness for such an event. This could include increased physical security, training, incident response plans, and exercises for staff on what to do during an attack, the ministry said in a statement.Security minister James Brokenshire said such venues needed to have "effective and proportionate protective security and preparedness measures to keep people safe".He cited a 2017 bomb that killed 22 after a performance by pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester and recent knife attacks in London as reminders of the security threats facing the country. The proposed law will be put to a public consultation later in the year, and will invite submissions from businesses and the public sector on how the new duty should be enforced."It is important that this new law is proportionate," Brokenshire said in a statement. "This public consultation will ensure we put in place a law that will help protect the public while not putting undue pressure on businesses," he added.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Sanders: AIPAC provides a platform for leaders who express bigotry

The Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security .
So do the Palestinian people .
I @ @ @ @ @ AIPAC provides for leaders who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights .
For that @ @ @ @ @ their conference .
1/2

Democratic presidential nominee hopeful Bernie Sanders announced on Sunday via Twitter that he will not be attending the conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), claiming that the organization gives a platform “for leaders who express bigotry.” AIPAC said his comments were “truly shameful.”
As president, I will support the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians and do everything possible to bring peace and security to the region. 2/2 — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 23, 2020
It was not clear from the announcement which leaders the democratic senator from Vermont was referring to. The annual conference will take place March 1- 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington.Sanders went on to pledge that, if elected president, he would do “everything possible” to achieve peace between the Palestinians and Israelis in a manner which supports the rights of both parties.In a statement, AIPAC said: “Senator Sanders has never attended our conference and that is evident from his outrageous comment. In fact, many of his own Senate and House Democratic colleagues and leaders speak from our platform to the over 18,000 Americans from widely diverse backgrounds - Democrats, Republicans, Jews, Christians, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, progressives, veterans, students, members of the LGBTQ+ community-who participate in the conference to proclaim their support for the US-Israel relationship.“By engaging in such an odious attack on this mainstream, bipartisan American political event, Senator Sanders is insulting his very own colleagues and the millions of Americans who stand with Israel. Truly shameful.”Jason Greenblatt, a former Middle East envoy with the Trump administration, said in a tweet that Sanders’s statement was “outrageous,” “shocking,” and “wrong on so many levels.”The Senator’s words “show a total disregard for Israel & complete lack of understanding of the conflict & the very serious security challenges Israel faces,” he said, adding: “@BernieSanders & staff should attend @aipac conf not to speak but to listen / learn!”Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles was also critical, tweeting: “I’ve attended AIPAC more than 10 times. Every time Palestinian rights were mentioned people applauded. There are a range of views presented, left, right and center. This dismissal is unwarranted and unworthy.”However, he drew support from Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, who called on others to follow his example, tweeting: “Thank you @BernieSanders for standing up for Palestinian human rights. All candidates should follow Bernie’s example and #SkipAIPAC!”Fellow candidate Elizabeth Warren has already signaled her intention not to attend the conference.Warren was quizzed by a woman attending a meeting in New Hampshire who asked the senator: “I’m an American Jew and I’m terrified by the unholy alliance that AIPAC is forming with Islamapohobes and antisemites and white nationalists and no Democrat should legitimize that kind of bigotry by attending their annual policy conference. And I’m really grateful that you skipped the AIPAC conference last year, and so my question is if you’ll join me in committing to skip the AIPAC conference this March.”Warren replied: “Yeah.”Former vice president Joe Biden, on the other hand, has indicated that he will be attending, tweeting: “I’m there to convince. Convince them to change their position.”Sanders strengthened his bid to become the Democratic nominee over the weekend with a decisive victory in the Nevada caucus, winning 47.5% of the county convention delegates with 72% of the precincts reported. His closest rival, former vice-president Joe Biden, was pushed into a distant second place with 20.8% of the vote.“First we won the popular vote in Iowa. Then we won the New Hampshire primary. And now we have won the Nevada caucus,” the senator tweeted, with links encouraging people to donate to his campaign and to support him in the next round of voting.Sanders has repeatedly leveled charges of racism at Israel’s government, and at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.In June 2019, he defined himself as “100% pro-Israel,” but added: “the goal is to try to unite people and not just support one country, which is now run by a right-wing, dare I say, racist government.”In October he repeated the charge, saying: “I am very proud to be Jewish and look forward to being the first Jewish president.... I believe absolutely not only in the right of Israel to exist but the right to exist in peace and security. That’s not a question. But what I also believe is the Palestinian people have a right to live in peace and security as well. It is not antisemitism to say that [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s] government has been racist.”And again in December, he said: “It’s not just being pro-Israel. We must be pro-Palestinian, as well... Right now, Israel is under the leadership of Netanyahu, who has recently been indicted for bribery, who in my view, is a racist.”Most recently, during a CNN town hall debate in Las Vegas last week, the senator said: “To be for the Israeli people and to be for peace in the Middle East does not mean that we have to support right-wing, racist governments that currently exist in Israel.”


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--UK set to commence trade talks with US following Brexit

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is prepared to begin trade talks with the United States within the coming two weeks, the Telegraph reported on Sunday.The British government's "red lines" for the trade negotiations, due to be published next week, are expected to push back against US demands for its pharmaceutical firms to have greater access to the UK market, the report said.The moves on trade with the United States will be seen as an attempt to put further pressure on the European Union, whose leaders have questioned whether a trade deal can be agreed before the end of year, the report added.Johnson is expected to meet US President Donald Trump in June.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Syrian air defenses intercept 'hostile target' over Damascus

Explosions have been heard in the skies over Damascus, Syria's SANA news agency has reported. Syrian air defense systems have been mobilized in response to the hostile targets.The state owned news agency added that the rockets were fired from the Golan Heights.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Austria stops train from Italy due to coronavirus suspects - report

The train was now waiting at the Brenner Pass on Italian territory .
On board were two people with fever @ @ @ @ @ be infected with the coronavirus , Oe24 said on its website .
Austrian police , @ @ @ @ @ train operator OBB could not immediately be reached for comment .

The train was now waiting at the Brenner Pass on Italian territory. On board were two people with fever, who are suspected to be infected with the coronavirus, Oe24 said on its website.
Austrian police, the interior ministry and the train operator OBB could not immediately be reached for comment.
Austria has denied entry to a train coming from Italy on suspicion that two travelers might be infected with the coronavirus, tabloid Oe24 said on Sunday, citing security sources.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Second coronavirus case in Israel confirmed – Sheba Medical Center

A second Israeli who returned to Israel on Friday from the Diamond Princess cruise ship has tested positive Sunday for @ @ @ @ @ Sheba Medical Center .
The individual is in isolation at the hospital .
The medical @ @ @ @ @ did not contract the virus in Israel .

A second Israeli who returned to Israel on Friday from the Diamond Princess cruise ship has tested positive Sunday for the virus, according to Sheba Medical Center. The individual is in isolation at the hospital.
The medical center said that the individual did not contract the virus in Israel.
The news comes as hundreds of Israelis have called a special hotline focused on treating people suspected of having contracted coronavirus, according to Magen David Adom. The Health Ministry has canceled upcoming trips to Poland for thousands of Israeli students, and only Israelis will run in Friday’s Tel Aviv Marathon.A mild panic had erupted across Israel on Sunday following an announcement on Saturday that nine members of a large group of South Koreans who had been in the country from February 8 to 15 were diagnosed with coronavirus and might have had the virus while in Israel. The South Koreans travelled across the country, from the North to the South with stops in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, among other places.At the start of the week, 200 Israeli students were in isolation after reporting being exposed to the tourists.“We are prepared to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Israel,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated during an emergency meeting at the Health Ministry in Tel Aviv Sunday in an effort to calm the country. “We are conducting assessments every day and I will appoint a team of ministers to meet on a daily basis to address this major challenge.”He said that the government is constantly reviewing its policy and adjusting it to adapt to evolving circumstances, including monitoring entry into Israel from other countries.On Sunday, the Health Ministry sent a memo to citizens sharing where the South Koreans went and reviewing guidelines for if people came into contact with the pilgrims, including putting themselves under a 14-day period of isolation.The ministry also recommends that if signs of illness – fever over 38 degrees Celsius, cough or other respiratory symptoms develop – individuals should seek medical attention.The Health Ministry added that as of Sunday anyone who has been in South Korea or Japan for the last 14 days must be in house isolation until 14 days have elapsed from the time of their departure from these countries.Japan and South Korea were added to a growing list of countries that the ministry has labelled as contagious and is requiring travelers who return from them to enter quarantine. The other countries are China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Thailand.As of Sunday, the entry of non-residents or citizens of Israel who were in South Korea during the 14 days prior to their arrival in Israel was prevented. As of Monday, this directive will also apply for those arriving from Japan.In addition, anyone who has been in Taiwan, Italy or Australia for the past 14 days and who develops disease symptoms should be checked according to the guidelines listed on the Health Ministry website. And anyone returning from these countries will not have to enter isolation.“Today, we added Australia and Italy to the list of countries from which returning travelers will be required to enter quarantine,” the prime minister said. “As necessary, we will add other countries to the list.“I said that over-preparation is better than lack of preparation," he continued. “To date, Israel has been more stringent than any other country, and we will continue to do what is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus in Israel.”He called on the public to show “maximum responsibility” by adhering to the policies that the Health Ministry lays out.“It must be clear: Anyone who is required to be in isolation must be,” Health Minister Ya’acov Litzman reiterated Sunday. He said that now is not the time for travel abroad.The MDA hotline that launched Saturday night under the guidance of the Health Ministry is reachable through MDA’s 101 hotline and is meant to support the growing number of Israelis who have been in contact with a coronavirus patient, who is suspected of being infected with the virus, or has symptoms such as fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms.When a person calls, a medic or paramedic answers the call and determines whether to join a doctor into the call, who will then decide how to proceed with medical care. Options for next steps include sending an ambulance to evacuate the patient to a hospital or sending a paramedic to the person’s home to take a blood sample for evaluation at Sheba Medical Center’s laboratory.In addition, according to MDA, so far dozens of paramedics have undergone dedicated training on how to collect samples from potential patients in order to test for coronavirus. They have also been trained in staying fully protected against the infection themselves while taking these samples.On Sunday alone, MDA trained an additional 70 MDA paramedics at its Paramedic Education Center in Ramat Gan. Participants practiced taking patient samples while wearing full anti-contamination kits.Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan warned Sunday of potential election interference that would somehow be caused by the virus."I have instructed the police to prepare for a situation in which the coronavirus could disrupt the coming elections, even in the form of fake news being spread that could cause panic in some areas, causing some to stay home on election day," Erdan said, noting that such election interference would be considered a criminal offense.The Israel Airport Authority called an emergency meeting at which its head, Pinchas Idan, informed staff that the airport was implementing a hiring freeze until the summer season and that there would be no raises or promotions until further notice. Some staff, he said, would likely have to reduce their hours to part-time.“During this time we must work hard and carefully,” he said, “and hope things will improve soon.”In addition, the Education Ministry was forced to cancel 29 upcoming school trips to Poland for some 3,087 students who were scheduled to travel between February 23 and March 4, until further notice.The Tel Aviv Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, will continue, according to the Tel Aviv Municipality. However, only Israelis will take part in the event. The Jerusalem Marathon is also facing possible cancellation.Some Knesset members and candidates lashed out at the government over its handling of the coronavirus.Gesher head Orly Levy-Abecassis accused the country of not being prepared to handle the crisis despite its “supposed regular preparation” for attacks - including biological warfare attacks – by terrorist regimes or hostile nations.Former president of the Israeli Medical Association, Prof. Leonid Eidelman, who is running on Yisrael Beytenu’s list, also attacked the establishment: “The corona panic seems to be gaining momentum,” he said. “Talk about forced hospitalization, eliminating various tourists or certain theories of biological warfare may be helpful to some politicians, but they will not help the public in real time.“Speaking as someone who knows from the inside, the Israeli health system suffers from the highest over occupancy rate among OECD countries and would not be able to hospitalize these sick people even if police forced them to be hospitalized,” he concluded.President Reuven Rivlin, however, did not cancel his diplomatic plans as a result of the virus. He arrived in Australia on Friday and is expected to spend a week there visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.Following the instructions of the Health Ministry regarding those returning from Australia, the spokesperson of the President's Residence gave the following statement: "The entourage from [the President's Residence] in Australia is not expected to change its planned schedule at present of the president's official visit. The director-general is in touch with the director-general of the ministry on the subject, and we will update on any change that is necessary."


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Stranded South Koreans returning home from Israel after virus scare

Some 180 South Koreans were returning home on Sunday after being stranded in Israel when flights between the countries were stopped by Israel due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, the Israel Airports Authority said.Israel said late on Saturday it would bar travel to and from South Korea after a spike in coronavirus cases there. This coincided with news that a group of South Korean pilgrims, of which nine later tested positive for the virus, had toured some of the country's most popular sites earlier in the month, stoking fears of a local outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Bar Ilan student in quarantine after visiting same site as Korean tourists

The student did not have direct contact with the group , but was still placed in quarantine on Saturday evening @ @ @ @ @ University 's International School is taking care of her needs and she is feeling well @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
The student will remain in isolation until Thursday , February 27 .

The student did not have direct contact with the group, but was still placed in quarantine on Saturday evening. The staff of the University's International School is taking care of her needs and she is feeling well and has not shown any symptoms. The student will remain in isolation until Thursday, February 27.
A student at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan in central Israel is in quarantine in a university dormitory after she reported being at one of the sites in Israel visited by the group of Korean tourists who were diagnosed with the coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Italy reports third coronavirus death near Milan

A third person infected with the coronavirus has died in Italy, a regional official said on Sunday, as the government struggles to contain an outbreak of the illness in the north of the country with more than 130 cases reported since Friday.Lombardy regional councilor Giulio Gallera told reporters the victim was an elderly woman from the town of Crema, east of Milan, who was also suffering from cancer. Two other elderly patients in northern Italy have died over the past 48 hours.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--4 in UK test positive for coronavirus after being evacuated from cruise

`` Four further patients in England have tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total number of cases in the @ @ @ @ @ the statement from the chief medical officer for England said .

Four passengers tested positive for coronavirus in England on Sunday after being evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said in a statement on Twitter.
"Four further patients in England have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to thirteen," the statement from the chief medical officer for England said.
"The virus was passed on in the Diamond Princess cruise ship and the patients are being transferred from Arrowe Park to specialist NHS (National Health Service) infection centers."


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--5.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Iran-Turkey border area – report

An Earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck the Turkey-Iran border region on Sunday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.The quake has a depth of 2 km (0.6 miles), according to EMSC.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Liberman: Israel allows Hamas to get funds, and they fire at us

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman tweeted on Sunday that “Israel allowed the hand over of tens of millions of [US] dollars to Hamas as protection money.”Liberman added that Hamas got the funds, waited until the Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi left the area “and began firing right away.”The Yisrael Beytenu leader said that the current policy of “giving in to terror is simply a disgrace.”


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--Two wounded in explosion in Lebanon – sources

Two people were wounded after a bomb exploded in a residential building in the Lebanese city of Tripoli on Sunday, security sources said.The man accused of setting off the bomb has been arrested, the security sources said.


jerusalempost--2020-02-23--EU on coronavirus outbreak in Italy: 'No need to panic'

`` The EU has full confidence in the Italian authorities and the decisions they are taking , '' Paolo Gentiloni @ @ @ @ @ of G20 financial leaders in Saudi Arabia .

The European Union sees "no need to panic" over a coronavirus outbreak in Italy that has already killed two people and infected more than 100 in the country, the bloc's economic affairs commissioner said on Sunday.
"The EU has full confidence in the Italian authorities and the decisions they are taking," Paolo Gentiloni told reporters after a meeting of G20 financial leaders in Saudi Arabia.
"We share concern for possible contagion (but) there is no need to panic."