jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Belarusian protester dies after explosive blows up in his hands – police

One Belarusian protester died in Minsk after an unidentified explosive device blew up in his hands while he tried to throw it at the police, police said on Monday.New clashes broke out after the opposition accused President Alexander Lukashenko of rigging his reelection victory.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Pompeo: Belarus election was not free and fair

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The United States is deeply concerned about the conduct of the presidential election in Belarus "which was not free and fair," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday."We strongly condemn ongoing violence against protesters and the detention of opposition supporters, as well as the use of internet shutdowns to hinder the ability of the Belarusian people to share information about the election and the demonstrations," Pompeo added in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--235 IDF soldiers positive for coronavirus, 3,307 in quarantine

A total of 235 IDF soldiers and employees are currently positive for coronavirus, the IDF spokesperson's unit said on Monday night.As of Monday, 3,307 soldiers are in quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Merkel to visit Macron at summer residence around August 20

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is planning to visit French President Emmanuel Macron at his summer residence on the Mediterranean around Aug. 20, a European diplomat told Reuters on Monday.The meeting between Macron and Merkel, fresh from striking a game-changing deal for the European Union to raise debt for the first time to fund recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, is another sign of renewed vigor for the Franco-German engine.Some European diplomats have said a reinvigorated relationship between the EU's two most powerful leaders could help bring new momentum to other stumbling blocks in the EU, such as a digital tax or US tariffs.But others have questioned whether much could be achieved while Merkel neared the end of her mandate next year.Macron has received only a few notable guests at his presidential mansion of Fort de Bregancon in southern France in the past, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and former British Prime Minister Theresa May.An official at Macron's office declined to confirm the visit.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Knesset approves extension bill with minor changes

The Knesset approved the recommendation by the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee to extend the the extension period according to the law to correct and uphold the time period of emergency regulations.The regulations which were extended by 21 days to August 31 are the regulations on home isolation, regulations on the obligation to report home isolation to the Health Ministry, and the offense of not wearing a mask.The regulation which was extended until August 17 is the regulation on violating the hotel quarantine obligation.A total of 12 MKs supported the decision while three opposed.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--French hospitals see first rise in COVID-19 patients since end of lockdown

The French health ministry on Monday reported the first significant rise in the number of people in hospital due to the new coronavirus since the end of the country's lockdown, reversing a trend seen since mid-April.The ministry said the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 had increased by 34 to 5,045 compared with Friday.It was the first significant increase since the number began falling steadily from a high of 32,292 on April 14.The number of people in intensive care also increased again, rising by 13 from Friday to 396.The ministry also reported that the number of confirmed coronavirus infections had risen by 4,854 to 202,775 over the past three days, adding to signs that the virus is spreading more quickly.After the number of infections set a new post-lockdown high of 2,288, there were 2,184 new infections on Saturday, 1,885 on Sunday and 785 on Monday, the ministry said in separate statements.The ministry also said that the cumulative death toll from the virus had increased to 30,340, up 16 from Friday, when 12 deaths were reported.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--At least six killed as Somalia security forces put out prison uprising

At least six prisoners were killed and another six injured when Somali security forces beat back an uprising in Mogadishu's central prison on Monday, state radio reported.A senior police officer who did not wish to be named said that mutinous prisoners snatched guns from guards who were on duty on Monday evening, then killed three of them.The guards and other security forces regrouped and managed to kill the mutineers, the senior office said."The security forces shot dead six prisoners, injured six other prisoners and captured five others alive. They were all prisoners who fought in the cell," the state radio said on its website, quoting the security services.The operation to restore order in the prison complex had been completed, the radio reported.One inmate said he saw a soldier, who seemed to be wounded, lying prostrate on the grounds of the prison."I can hear the gunfire from inside the central cell block," Mohammed Nur, an inmate at the prison, told Reuters as he cowered in a separate room.Somalia has been trying to re-establish the rule of law in the past decade but still suffers from frequent attacks by al Shabaab militants. The group did not respond immediately to a request for comment by Reuters.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--MK Gallant to Gantz: 'Do not hurt the opening of the school year'

Education Minister Yoav Gallant criticized Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, saying that he should "take responsibility and don't hurt the opening of the school year on September 1.""An immediate budget must be approved to open the entire education system on time," Gallant added on Twitter.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Russia says it will respond in kind to Slovakia's expulsion of diplomats

Russia's foreign ministry said on Monday it will respond in kind to Slovakia's expulsion of Russian diplomats, RIA news agency reported.Slovakia has expelled three staff at the Russian embassy in Bratislava, the Slovak Foreign Ministry said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Trump wants stimulus payments, schools funds in COVID-19 bill

`` The White House is still motivated , '' White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told reporters at a briefing .
@ @ @ @ @ to see the direct payments to Americans , the president would love to see the @ @ @ @ @ several items we would like to see happen . ''

US President Donald Trump still wants to see coronavirus aid legislation pass that would include stimulus payments to individuals and school funding, the White House said on Monday after talks with congressional Democrats collapsed last week.
"The White House is still motivated," White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told reporters at a briefing. "The president would love to see the direct payments to Americans, the president would love to see the school funding. There are several items we would like to see happen."


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Police clash with protesters in Belarusian capital

Belarusian police clashed with protesters in Minsk for the second evening in a row on Monday after President Alexander Lukashenko won a landslide victory in a contested election, a Reuters witness said.Police were seen dragging protesters out of a crowd and beating them with truncheons. More than 30 people were detained, the witness said.Separately the head of the Belarusian state security service said it had prevented an attempt on the life of Lukashenko's main opponent, Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, the ONT television channel reported.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Coronavirus in Israel: 1,085 new diagnoses since midnight

There have been 1,085 people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus since midnight on Monday, the Health Ministry reported.On Sunday, there were 884 new patients.The death toll continues to rise, hitting 612 by 7:30 p.m.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--IDF removes roadblocks along Israel-Lebanon border

The IDF spokesperson said Monday that it has removed several roadblocks along the Lebanon-Israel border, and removed a handful of restrictions on the passage of military vehicles.The IDF spokesperson also emphasized that several reinforcement forces were removed from the region and that civilian traffic in northern Israel remains open at this time.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Honduras shaken by 5.7 magnitude earthquake near Caribbean islands

Northern Honduras was on Thursday shaken by a shallow 5.7 magnitude earthquake , according to the United States Geological Survey @ @ @ @ @ placed the epicenter in the Caribbean near the Bay Islands popular with tourists .
There @ @ @ @ @ damage .
The quake was 10 km ( 6.2 miles ) below ground , USGS @ @

Northern Honduras was on Thursday shaken by a shallow 5.7 magnitude earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which placed the epicenter in the Caribbean near the Bay Islands popular with tourists.
There were no immediate reports of damage. The quake was 10 km (6.2 miles) below ground, USGS said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Lebanon's PM to announce the resignation of his government

Lebanon 's Prime Minister Hassan Diab will soon announce his government 's resignation , the health minister told Reuters on @ @ @ @ @ explosion that devastated the capital piled pressure on the cabinet .
Diab was set to @ @ @ @ @ nation at 7:30 p.m. local time , his office said .

Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab will soon announce his government's resignation, the health minister told Reuters on Monday after a massive port explosion that devastated the capital piled pressure on the cabinet.
Diab was set to deliver an address to the nation at 7:30 p.m. local time, his office said.
This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Spanish actor Antonio Banderas tested positive for coronavirus

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas , star of `` The Mask of Zorro '' and dozens of other films , announced @ @ @ @ @ birthday , that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was in quarantine .
`` @ @ @ @ @ that I 'm feeling relatively well , just a bit more tired than usual , @ @ @ @ @ recover as soon as possible , '' he said in a birthday message on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ reached 60 `` full of desire and aspirations '' .
Banderas said he would use @ @ @ @ @ read , write , rest and make plans for the future .
With a career @ @ @ @ @ , Banderas was nominated in the Best Actor category of the latest edition of the @ @ @ @ @ role in Pedro Almodovar 's autobiographical movie `` Pain and Glory '' .

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, star of "The Mask of Zorro" and dozens of other films, announced on Monday, his 60th birthday, that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was in quarantine.
"I'd like to add that I'm feeling relatively well, just a bit more tired than usual, and confident that I will recover as soon as possible," he said in a birthday message on Twitter, adding that he had reached 60 "full of desire and aspirations".
Banderas said he would use his time in quarantine to read, write, rest and make plans for the future.
With a career spanning more than 100 movies, Banderas was nominated in the Best Actor category of the latest edition of the Academy Awards for the lead role in Pedro Almodovar's autobiographical movie "Pain and Glory".


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Netanyahu: School year to open according to Gallant's plan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday afternoon that the school year will be opening as outlined by Education Minister Yoav Gallant on September 1.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Germany: EU must discuss sanctions after Belarus election

The EU had lifted sanctions because the country had taken steps in the right direction , including releasing political prisoners @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We must now discuss in the EU whether this still applies in the @ @ @ @ @ and the past days , '' he added , echoing comments from Poland .
Maas @ @ @ @ @ were numerous indications of fraud in the election .
Belarus ' central election commission said @ @ @ @ @ more than a quarter of a century , won 80 % of the vote in @ @ @ @ @ Svetlana Tikhanouskaya , who emerged from obscurity to become his main rival , took 9.9 @ @

The EU had lifted sanctions because the country had taken steps in the right direction, including releasing political prisoners, Maas said in Berlin.
"We must now discuss in the EU whether this still applies in the light of the past week and the past days," he added, echoing comments from Poland.
Maas' ministry earlier said there were numerous indications of fraud in the election.
Belarus' central election commission said Lukashenko, in power for more than a quarter of a century, won 80% of the vote in Sunday's election, while Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, who emerged from obscurity to become his main rival, took 9.9%.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Monday the European Union must discuss sanctions against Belarus after Alexander Lukashenko was declared winner of a presidential election that the opposition described as rigged.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Army says east Congo militia killed 16 villagers

Attacks by various militia and armed groups , as well as counter-operations by the Congolese army ( FARDC ) , forced over 400,000 people to flee their homes between March and June , according to the U.N. refugee agency .
Last month , the government sent several former warlords , including one just released after more than a decade in prison in the Hague and Congo for war crimes , to convince Cooperative for the Development of the Congo ( CODECO ) fighters to surrender .
They have not been successful so far .
`` The outlawed CODECO militia killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' army spokesman Jules Ngongo said , confirming the 16 casualties .
`` The army is determined to eradicate these militiamen who do not want to surrender . ''
CODECO fighters , mostly drawn from the Lendu ethnic group , assaulted several villages 70km ( 43 miles ) north east of the city of Bunia , home largely to ethnic Hema , said Charite Banza , head of a local civil rights group .
The group killed 10 people in one village , and six in another , he added .
Rich in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's most vicious fighting between 1999 and 2007 , after a power struggle between rebel groups descended into ethnic bloodshed , mostly between the Hema and Lendu .
After a decade of relative calm , tit-for-tat fighting resumed in December 2017 , often over land .
The unrest has since evolved into more coordinated attacks by CODECO on the army and the Hema .
In May , the United Nations warned that killings , beheadings , rape and other barbaric acts by CODECO could be considered crimes against humanity and war @ @

Attacks by various militia and armed groups, as well as counter-operations by the Congolese army (FARDC), forced over 400,000 people to flee their homes between March and June, according to the U.N. refugee agency.
Last month, the government sent several former warlords, including one just released after more than a decade in prison in the Hague and Congo for war crimes, to convince Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) fighters to surrender.
They have not been successful so far.
"The outlawed CODECO militia killed our people again on Sunday morning," army spokesman Jules Ngongo said, confirming the 16 casualties. "The army is determined to eradicate these militiamen who do not want to surrender."
CODECO fighters, mostly drawn from the Lendu ethnic group, assaulted several villages 70km (43 miles) north east of the city of Bunia, home largely to ethnic Hema, said Charite Banza, head of a local civil rights group. The group killed 10 people in one village, and six in another, he added.
Rich in natural resources, Ituri experienced some of the country's most vicious fighting between 1999 and 2007, after a power struggle between rebel groups descended into ethnic bloodshed, mostly between the Hema and Lendu.
After a decade of relative calm, tit-for-tat fighting resumed in December 2017, often over land.
The unrest has since evolved into more coordinated attacks by CODECO on the army and the Hema.
In May, the United Nations warned that killings, beheadings, rape and other barbaric acts by CODECO could be considered crimes against humanity and war crimes.
A militia killed 16 people during a raid on villages in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the army said on Monday, in more ethnic violence that the United Nations has warned may constitute crimes against humanity.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Gantz to undergo back surgery on Tuesday night

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz will undergo a surgical procedure on Tuesday evening at Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, due to a long-standing problem with his back.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Gantz to wish him good luck and good health, a Likud spokesman said.The Blue and White protest movement canceled a planned protest outside Gantz's home in Rosh Ha'ayin.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--FM Ashkenazi: Israel supports strengthened UNIFIL mandate

The massive explosion in Beirut shows Hezbollah uses of Lebanese civilians and cities to cover for their terrorist actions, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi told 12 ambassadors of UN Security Council member states at Israel’s northern border on Tuesday.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ashkenazi tied the massive explosion in Beirut to Hezbollah ’s weapon stores in civilian areas of Lebanon.Netanyahu spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, saying: “In order to avoid disasters like the one at the Beirut Port, we have to confiscate the explosives and missiles that Hezbollah has hidden in civilian population centers in Lebanon.”It would be a “big mistake” for Hezbollah to try to distract from the situation in Lebanon by attacking Israel, the prime minister added.Netanyahu also praised Macron’s leadership on the international response to the Beirut blast, repeating Israel’s offer to provide humanitarian aid.Ashkenazi made thinly-veiled hints that the Iranian-backed terror group was responsible for the blast and that the 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at the Beirut Port may have belonged to the terrorist organization. Israel has long held that Hezbollah controlled the port.“Israel cannot remain apathetic to Hezbollah’s attempts to harm Israeli sovereignty and citizens,” Ashkenazi warned 12 ambassadors of UN Security Council member states at Israel’s northern border on Tuesday.“Hezbollah is acting in urban and populated territories and using Lebanese citizens as human shields as we saw in the unfortunate event last week, in which hundreds of innocent Lebanese civilians were injured,” he said.Lebanon’s political instability allowed Hezbollah to take over “practically the whole country,” he added.“Iran has taken Lebanon hostage through Hezbollah,” he said.Ashkenazi also repeated the offer of humanitarian aid, saying Israel is still prepared to send equipment to Lebanon or treat injured people in Israel.The foreign minister spoke with the ambassadors hours before a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday to discuss the UN Interim Force in Lebanon ( UNIFIL ), ahead of an expected renewal of its mandate this month.“Israel supports a mandate that will strengthen UNIFIL’s mandate to effectively perform its tasks,” Ashkenazi said. “Otherwise, the mandate is a half-empty vessel.”Ashkenazi pointed out that Resolution 1701, ending the 2006 Second Lebanon War, was meant to “prevent Hezbollah and its Iranian masters from turning southern Lebanon into a site of terrorism and a foundation for murderous abilities” in order to stop another war between Israel and Lebanon from breaking out.However, he said, UN Secretary-General reports on UNIFIL do not reflect the reality, by which Hezbollah has established itself firmly in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel.Ashkenazi also addressed the US push to extend the UNSC arms embargo on Iran, which he said Israel fully supports.“This is a necessary move in light of Iran’s aggression in the Middle East, support for terror and undermining regional stability,” he stated. “Blocking Iranian aggression is not only in Israel’s interests and that of the entire Middle East, but it is an interest and moral obligation of all the nations of the world.”Ashkenazi warned that decreasing pressure on Iran “is a prescription for failure.”Ambassadors and deputy ambassadors from the US, France, UK, Russia, China, Germany, Ireland, Kenya, South Africa, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic attended Ashkenazi’s briefing.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Magnitude 3.5 earthquake reported in northern Israel

A magnitude 3.5 earthquake was reported northwest of Safed on Tuesday morning, according to Seismology Division of the Geological Survey of Israel.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Egyptians vote for newly created Senate

Egyptians vote for newly created Senate

The Council of Senators will be an advisory body without legislative powers .
It will include 200 elected members and 100 appointed by the president .
As in Egypt 's main parliamentary chamber , supporters of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are expected to dominate .
Officials say the Senate will enhance political participation , but the build-up to the elections was low key , which commentators attributed to the coronavirus pandemic , a lack of awareness about the new chamber and apathy .
Sisi was elected president in 2014 with 97 % of the vote , and re-elected four years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , a referendum approved constitutional changes that could allow him to stay in office until 2030 , widening his powers over the judiciary and establishing the Senate .
One hundred Senate members will be elected as individual candidates and 100 from a closed list system , where people vote for parties .
The only closed list to be submitted is headed by the strongly pro-government Mostaqbal Watan party , though it included two parties from a coalition that rejected last year 's constitutional changes .
`` Of course , the government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by giving the impression of political competition , Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat , who heads the opposition Reform and Development Party , told Reuters .
`` We should be realistic ... today in Egypt the space for practicing political work has become narrow . ''
Nearly 63 million people out of a total population of more than 100 million are eligible to vote , according to state news agency MENA .
Polling stations opened at 9 a.m. ( 0700 GMT ) and will close at 9 p.m. , over two days of voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Measures to guard against the coronavirus include the sterilization of voting stations and obligatory masks .
Officially confirmed cases of the virus in Egypt have rebounded slightly after a sharp fall , with some officials and doctors warning of a second wave of infections .
Authorities have reported just over 95,000 infections and 5,000 deaths .

Egyptians began voting on Tuesday for members of a newly created second chamber of parliament, with restrictive measures in place aimed at curbing a resurgence of novel coronavirus infections.
The Council of Senators will be an advisory body without legislative powers. It will include 200 elected members and 100 appointed by the president.
As in Egypt's main parliamentary chamber, supporters of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are expected to dominate.
Officials say the Senate will enhance political participation, but the build-up to the elections was low key, which commentators attributed to the coronavirus pandemic, a lack of awareness about the new chamber and apathy.
Sisi was elected president in 2014 with 97% of the vote, and re-elected four years later with the same percentage.
Last year, a referendum approved constitutional changes that could allow him to stay in office until 2030, widening his powers over the judiciary and establishing the Senate.
One hundred Senate members will be elected as individual candidates and 100 from a closed list system, where people vote for parties.
The only closed list to be submitted is headed by the strongly pro-government Mostaqbal Watan party, though it included two parties from a coalition that rejected last year's constitutional changes.
"Of course, the government is using us to beautify the picture," by giving the impression of political competition, Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat, who heads the opposition Reform and Development Party, told Reuters.
"We should be realistic ... today in Egypt the space for practicing political work has become narrow."
Nearly 63 million people out of a total population of more than 100 million are eligible to vote, according to state news agency MENA.
Polling stations opened at 9 a.m. (0700 GMT) and will close at 9 p.m., over two days of voting. Results are due on Aug. 19.
Measures to guard against the coronavirus include the sterilization of voting stations and obligatory masks.
Officially confirmed cases of the virus in Egypt have rebounded slightly after a sharp fall, with some officials and doctors warning of a second wave of infections.
Authorities have reported just over 95,000 infections and 5,000 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Leptospirosis case reported in northern Israel

Only one other case of leptospirosis has been reported in Israel since the beginning of the year .
That case @ @ @ @ @ most recent case .
Water quality tests from Nahal Snir have not shown any issues @ @ @ @ @ Health Ministry is following the situation .

Only one other case of leptospirosis has been reported in Israel since the beginning of the year. That case was not connected to the most recent case.
Water quality tests from Nahal Snir have not shown any issues with water quality. The Health Ministry is following the situation.
A person who was infected with leptospirosis visited Nahal Snir in northern Israel at the beginning of July, the Health Ministry announced on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--WHO says discussing new COVID-19 vaccine with Russia

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia had become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval @ @ @ @ @ less than two months of human testing , a move hailed by Moscow as evidence @ @ @ @ @

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Russian health authorities are discussing the process for possible WHO prequalification for its newly approved COVID-19 vaccine, a WHO spokesman said on Tuesday.
President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia had become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing, a move hailed by Moscow as evidence of its scientific prowess.
"We are in close contact with Russian health authorities and discussions are ongoing with respect to possible WHO prequalification of the vaccine, but again prequalification of any vaccine includes the rigorous review and assessment of all required safety and efficacy data," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told a U.N. briefing in Geneva, referring to clinical trials.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Blast hits US coalition convoy north of Baghdad, no casualties

A blast from a planted explosive device hit a convoy of the U.S.-led coalition near the Taji base north of Baghdad on Tuesday, the Iraqi military said in a statement.The explosion caused a fire to a container on one of the vehicles but the military did not report any casualties. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Gantz: We will respond forcefully to explosive balloons from Gaza

`` In the south Hamas is allowing the continued launch of incendiary and explosive balloons into the State of Israel @ @ @ @ @ to allow this and we have closed the Kerem Shalom Crossing as a result of @ @ @ @ @ during a visit to Homefront Command on Tuesday .
`` They would do well to @ @ @ @ @ peace in the State of Israel .
If this does n't happen , we will @ @ @ @ @ `` Dozens of incendiary and explosive balloons have been launched from the Gaza Strip in @ @ @ @ @ fires on Monday .

"In the south Hamas is allowing the continued launch of incendiary and explosive balloons into the State of Israel. We are not prepared to allow this and we have closed the Kerem Shalom Crossing as a result of this," said Gantz during a visit to Homefront Command on Tuesday. "They would do well to stop violating the security and peace in the State of Israel. If this doesn't happen, we will need to respond forcefully."Dozens of incendiary and explosive balloons have been launched from the Gaza Strip in recent days, sparking 30 fires on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Belarus opposition candidate Tikhanouskaya was forced to leave

`` She was taken out of the country by the authorities .
Svetlana had no choice .
Five minutes before @ @ @ @ @ our future plans and she was certainly not intending to leave the country , '' @ @ @ @ @

Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanouskaya's campaign team said on Tuesday that she had been forced to leave the country by the authorities amid bloody protests against the contested re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.
"She was taken out of the country by the authorities. Svetlana had no choice. Five minutes before the visit, we discussed our future plans and she was certainly not intending to leave the country," Olga Kovalkova told Reuters.
Tikhanouskaya's campaign team had been unable to reach her for hours on Monday, the day after the election, but by Tuesday morning she had joined her children in neighboring Lithuania. The state border committee later confirmed her departure.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Russia's coronavirus case tally nears 900,000

Russian registered 4,945 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, pushing its national case tally to 897,599, the fourth largest in the world.The official death toll rose to 15,131 after authorities said in their daily coronavirus report that 130 people had died in the previous 24 hours.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Indonesia reports 1,693 new coronavirus cases, 59 deaths

Indonesia reported 1,693 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing the country's total tally of infections to 128,776, data from the country's health ministry website showed.The data also showed an additional 59 deaths, taking the total number of fatalities to 5,824, the highest COVID-19 death toll in Southeast Asia.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Philippines records 2,987 more coronavirus infections, 19 deaths

A health ministry bulletin also reported 19 more fatalities , bringing the country 's death toll to 2,312 .
Presidential @ @ @ @ @ intensified contact tracing to isolate positive cases was necessary to slow community transmission , as @ @ @ @ @ extending a two-week strict lockdown due to end on Aug. 18 in and around the @ @ @

The Philippines on Tuesday reported 2,987 new coronavirus infections, taking its tally of confirmed cases to 139,538, the highest in Southeast Asia.
A health ministry bulletin also reported 19 more fatalities, bringing the country's death toll to 2,312.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said an intensified contact tracing to isolate positive cases was necessary to slow community transmission, as he dismissed the possibility of extending a two-week strict lockdown due to end on Aug. 18 in and around the capital Manila.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Singapore reports 61 coronavirus cases, lowest daily count in 4 months

The city-state went into a lockdown in mid-April after mass outbreaks in cramped migrant worker dormitories pushed its caseload to @ @ @ @ @ Asia .
Last week , it said it had cleared infections from all of the @ @ @ @ @ workers - barring some blocks which continue to serve as isolation zones .

Singapore on Tuesday reported 61 new COVID-19 cases, its lowest daily count in more than four months.
The city-state went into a lockdown in mid-April after mass outbreaks in cramped migrant worker dormitories pushed its caseload to one of the highest in Asia.
Last week, it said it had cleared infections from all of the dormitories - housing around 300,000 workers - barring some blocks which continue to serve as isolation zones.
Of Tuesday's cases - its lowest tally since April 2 - the majority were among those remaining workers serving quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Hong Kong reports 33 new coronavirus cases

Out of the 33 cases , 32 were locally transmitted , authorities said .
Since late January , over 4100 @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong , 58 of whom have died .
Tuesday 's figure was down from @ @ @ @ @

Hong Kong reported 33 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, a sharp drop from figures registered since the start of July and as authorities extended social distancing rules, cautioning that the city had to remain vigilant to battle further transmissions.
Out of the 33 cases, 32 were locally transmitted, authorities said.
Since late January, over 4100 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 58 of whom have died. Tuesday's figure was down from Monday's 69 cases.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Coronavirus in Israel: 1,641 new patients diagnosed in one day

There were 1,641 people diagnosed with coronavirus on Monday, the Health Ministry reported Tuesday. Of the 24,714 active cases, there are 381 in serious condition, among them 110 who are intubated.Some 619 people have died.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--PA renews security coordination with US after annexation halt - report

The Palestinian Authority renewed security coordination with the US after receiving assurances that a planned annexation of parts of the West Bank would not occur, according to Channel 12 news.The PA halted security coordination with the US and Israel earlier this year after Israel announced plans to annex parts of the West Bank as part of the Trump administration's Middle East peace plan.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Two fires in southern Israel possibly caused by incendiary balloons

It is still unclear whether the two fires reported on Tuesday were caused by incendiary balloons .

Two fires broke out in southern Israel on Tuesday, a day after 30 fires were sparked by incendiary balloons launched from Gaza, according to Channel 13. One fire was located near Erez, while the second fire was reported between Or Haner and Sderot.
גל השריפות בעוטף: לפני זמן קצר פרצה שריפה סמוך לקיבוץ ארז - נבדק החשד שנגרמה מבלון תבערה(צילום: בטחון קיבוץ ארז)@Itsik_zuarets pic.twitter.com/vKJd5JCGKz — כאן חדשות (@kann_news) August 11, 2020
It is still unclear whether the two fires reported on Tuesday were caused by incendiary balloons.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Belarusian opposition leader Tikhanouskaya in Lithuania says FM

Belarusian opposition politician Svetlana Tikhanouskaya has traveled to Lithuania from Belarus amid the protests and is safe, Lithuania's Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said in a Twitter post on Tuesday.
Tikhanouskaya emerged as Alexander Lukashenko’s main rival at Sunday’s presidential election.
Her team had been unable to reach her by phone on Monday after she left the election commission building. Earlier she told reporters she considered herself to have won the election, not Lukashenko.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Rabbi Yisroel Moshe, Agudat Yisrael's Council of Torah Sages member, died

Moshe had been suffering from health problems for a number of months , according to Yeshiva World News .
Originally @ @ @ @ @ for treatment , the rabbi returned to Israel a few months ago.Born in New York @ @ @ @ @ at a young age , and soon took over as the Sadigura rebbe following his @ @ @ @ @ then , he has established multiple synagogues throughout Israel as well as a school in @ @ @ @ @ lived.According to Collive , Moshe has been going back and forth to Los Angeles for @ @ @ @ @ past year .
However , it is currently unknown what the cause of death was.Funeral @ @ @ @ @

Moshe had been suffering from health problems for a number of months, according to Yeshiva World News. Originally having flown to Los Angeles for treatment, the rabbi returned to Israel a few months ago.Born in New York, Moshe moved to Israel at a young age, and soon took over as the Sadigura rebbe following his father's passing. Since then, he has established multiple synagogues throughout Israel as well as a school in Bnei Brak, where he lived.According to Collive, Moshe has been going back and forth to Los Angeles for numerous medical treatments for the past year. However, it is currently unknown what the cause of death was.Funeral data is still pending.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Mexico reports 6,686 new coronavirus cases, 926 more deaths

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Mexico's health ministry on Tuesday reported 6,686 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 926 additional fatalities, bringing the totals in the country to 492,522 infections and 53,929 deaths.The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Trump says Moderna deal reached for 100m. doses of COVID-19 vaccine

The United States has penned an agreement with drugmaker Moderna Inc to acquire 100 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine, US president Donald Trump said in a press conference.The United States has made several deals to acquire doses of potential COVID-19 vaccines in advance of their approval by regulators, part of its Operation Warp Speed program that aims to deliver a vaccine in the US by the end of the year.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Brazil registers 1,274 new coronavirus deaths, now totaling 103,026

Brazil on Tuesday registered 1,274 new coronavirus deaths, bringing the total death toll to 103,026, the health ministry said.Overall, confirmed cases rose by 52,160 to 3,109,630.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Iraq cancels Turkish Defense minister visit, summons ambassador

Iraq cancelled on Tuesday the Turkish defence minister's visit to the country which was scheduled for Thursday, Iraq's foreign ministry said in a statement.The ministry also summoned the Turkish ambassador to hand him "a strong protest note and inform him of Iraq’s confirmed rejection of his country's attacks and violations", the statement added.A Turkish drone strike on Tuesday in the Sidakan area in northeastern Iraq, near the Turkish and Iranian borders, killed two members of Iraq's border guard and the driver of the vehicle they were in, the Iraqi military said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Foreign worker from Thailand stabbed to death in Ein Yahav

Police have confirmed the death by stabbing of a foreign worker from Thailand in Ein Yahav, the police said in a statement.An investigation is currently being launched by police in Dimona.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Vir Biotech to begin intermediate stage study of COVID-19 drug candidate

Vir Biotechnology Inc said on Tuesday it plans to start a mid-to-late stage trial of its COVID-19 drug candidate in August, as drugmakers across the globe rush to find treatments for the highly infectious virus.The company's therapy candidate, VIR-7831, is a monoclonal antibody that binds itself to the SARS-CoV-2 live virus and neutralizes it.Vir Biotech expects initial clinical data from the study to be available before the end of 2020.There are currently no approved treatments or vaccine for COVID-19, which has infected more than 20 million and killed at least 736,577, according to a Reuters tally.Gilead Sciences Inc on Monday filed an application with the US Food and Drug Administration seeking full approval for remdesivir, its experimental COVID-19 drug.Vir Biotech has two other COVID-19 antibody candidates in development, VIR-2703 and VIR-7832, and expects to start human clinical trials for both later this year.The company received a $250 million investment from British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline Plc in March as part of a collaboration to develop antibody treatments for COVID-19.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has selected running mate

Democratic US presidential candidate Joe Biden has chosen his running mate for the Nov. 3 election and could announce his pick as soon as Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the matter.Finalists for the job have been informed of Biden's decision, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A Biden campaign spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The news that Biden has made his selection was first reported by CNN. The network also reported that US Representative Karen Bass of California, who was under serious consideration, has told people she was not chosen.Biden, who served as vice president under President Barack Obama, has pledged to elevate a woman as his running mate. At least a dozen candidates have received various levels of interest from the campaign, according to interviews with Democratic officials and Biden allies.His short list has included several Black lawmakers and leaders, including Senator Kamala Harris of California, one of his Democratic primary rivals for the presidential nomination, and former national security adviser Susan Rice.No major-party presidential ticket has ever included a Black woman. But Biden has faced increasing pressure to tap a woman of color following months of protests over racial inequity after the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis.Biden, 77, is leading Republican President Donald Trump, 74, in national opinion polls.Biden's deliberations have drawn intense scrutiny given his age as well as speculation that he might serve only one four-year term if elected. He would be the oldest US president in history.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Gantz admitted to the hospital ahead of back surgery

Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday night in preparation for a back surgery scheduled to take place early in the morning on Wednesday.Gantz was welcomed by the Director of Sheba Medical Center Prof. Yitshak Kreiss and Director of the Department of Orthopedics Dr. Moshe Levinkof, according to a Defense Ministry spokesperson.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Real estate market reports increase of deals despite COVID-19

Israel’s real estate market reported an increase of 16% in deals as compared to last June with 10,900 deals, Channel 13 reported on Tuesday.Many of the buyers are young couples who bought roughly 4,000 new apartments in Beersheba for NIS 1,100,000 per purchase, on average.Tel Aviv and Netanya are two cities favored among investors who buy a second apartment with 1,200 apartments being sold in both locations for the average price of NIS 3 million.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Israel looks into free coronavirus tests to solve flights deadlock

Israel is looking into making coronavirus tests free-of-charge if provided by the nation’s large healthcare providers to allow people the chance to fly to "green states," Channel 13 reported on Tuesday.Green states, which are nations with low COVID-19 infection rates, currently don’t accept Israeli passport holders as Israel is considered a "red state" due to its high infection rate.While the government reported it would present a national plan to reopen the skies on August 16, it’s unclear how citizens will know they are healthy before their flights.The free tests are meant serve as a solution while a lab is being built at Ben-Gurion Airport.If green states will allow Israelis in, citizens of those countries would likely be allowed into Israel. Yet at this point the government has yet to commit to such measures nor did it reveal which countries would be considered for such a list.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--MKs approve MK Michael Biton's temporary nomination as defense minister

MK Michael Biton will assume position of acting defense minister until Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz recovers from his back surgery, which is set to take place on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--245 IDF soldiers and civilian employees diagnosed with coronavirus

As of Tuesday, 245 IDF soldiers and civilian contractors are sick with the coronavirus, all but one, who is in severe condition, are experiencing light symptoms, according to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.Some 3,408 servicemembers are in self-isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Likud members: Netanyahu signalling Gantz, ready for budget compromise

Senior Likud Party members said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is signalling Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz that he is ready to compromise on the budget issue, despite holding to the opinion that a one-year budget is the best option for Israel.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Sara Netanyahu files police complaint due to alleged threats

Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday filed another police complaint after allegedly receiving threats against her life.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Netanyahu offers aid to Lebanon in phone call with Macron

In a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first praised his handling of the explosion in Beirut and then said that Israel is willing to offer humanitarian aid to Lebanon under the condition that it will be directly distributed to the local population, according to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office.Netanyahu also said that in order to prevent future disasters of such as the one that happened, the missiles and explosives that Hezbollah has planted should kept away from the civilian population in Lebanon.The prime minister added that if Hezbollah thinks that it can solve the crisis in Lebanon by creating a crisis with Israel it would be a huge mistake.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Coronavirus in Israel: More than 1,000 new patients since midnight

During a briefing Tuesday , Prof. Ronni Gamzu said that the country is still struggling to lower its infection rate and that Israel is running out of time .
“ I want to succeed in the issue of preventing gatherings , ” Gamzu said .
“ I tell the citizens of Israel : If you do not succeed in preventing yourself from [ attending ] gathering , then perhaps there is no choice but to impose a closure.
” He noted that he is less concerned about gatherings in open spaces , such as on beaches , but that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become infected .
He said he wants to avoid a lockdown to give hope to the 800,000 people who are unemployed , because another closure could mean another half-a-million people out of work .
He cautioned , however , that this could only be done if Health Ministry directives are adhered to .
“ The public needs to understand that a business that allows too large a crowd to gather will be closed , ” Gamzu stressed .
He also said that he is seeing a phenomenon where people with symptoms are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decrease in the amount of people being tested , ” Gamzu said .
“ There is also a situation where people are afraid to be tested for all sorts of reasons .
It bothers me and creates an effect of latent morbidity .
AT THE PRESS conference , the Health Ministry issued new testing guidelines – again .
This time they were presented by the ministry ’ s new head of public health , Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis .
“ We are expanding the scope of the testing , ” she said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were in contact with a verified patient , if the epidemiological investigation defined that there was ‘ dangerous contact ’ between them .
“ I ask everyone : Even if they test negative , isolation must be completed.
” As per the new protocol , going forward , people who have encountered someone who is known to have the virus will be tested , regardless of their symptoms .
Until now , only family members of the patient were required to be screened .
Additionally , anyone who is planning to undergo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 hours in advance to ensure that he or she is not a carrier .
Alroy-Preis additionally explained that medical workers who were exposed to a known coronavirus patient could potentially leave isolation as early as 10 days later .
Under the new system , the health care worker would enter quarantine and be tested between five to eight days after coming in contact with the patient .
If the test comes out negative , then the medical professional would be retested on day 10 .
If that test is also negative , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considering traveling abroad would need to adhere to the requirements of the countries to which they are visiting .
On Monday , the Health Ministry reported that 23,982 people were screened for the virus , of which around 7 % ( 1,693 people ) tested positive .
Another 1,091 were diagnosed with corona between midnight and press time .
In his remarks , Gamzu also referred to the challenge of “ red cities , ” such as Bnei Brak , Elad , Beitar Illit and Modi ’ in Illit , which he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A lot more work needs to be done – and it does not happen fast , ” Gamzu stressed .
He said specifically that the Health Ministry is weighing imposing a closure on Modi ’ in Illit , where there were 1,167 active cases on Tuesday , including 618 who were diagnosed in the last week .
He said that he does not want to place closures on the ultra-Orthodox and Arab communities that are red and orange , but that there may be no choice .
There are currently four red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bnei Brak , Ein Naqquba and Kafr Bara .
However , there are 25 orange cities , including Jerusalem , which continues to have the highest number of sick people – 3,886 at press time .
Despite the rising numbers , on Tuesday evening , the government approved the framework for immediately opening cultural events , the Prime Minister ’ s Office said .
According to the new guidelines , performances will take place outside with the audience seated in capsules of up to 20 people .
As many as 500 people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to the mental health and wellbeing of the public , ” Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said in a statement .

During a briefing Tuesday, Prof. Ronni Gamzu said that the country is still struggling to lower its infection rate and that Israel is running out of time.
“I want to succeed in the issue of preventing gatherings,” Gamzu said. “I tell the citizens of Israel: If you do not succeed in preventing yourself from [attending] gathering, then perhaps there is no choice but to impose a closure.”
He noted that he is less concerned about gatherings in open spaces, such as on beaches, but that in closed places people are more likely to become infected.
He said he wants to avoid a lockdown to give hope to the 800,000 people who are unemployed, because another closure could mean another half-a-million people out of work. He cautioned, however, that this could only be done if Health Ministry directives are adhered to.
“The public needs to understand that a business that allows too large a crowd to gather will be closed,” Gamzu stressed.
He also said that he is seeing a phenomenon where people with symptoms are not being screened.
“There is a decrease in the amount of people being tested,” Gamzu said. “There is also a situation where people are afraid to be tested for all sorts of reasons. It bothers me and creates an effect of latent morbidity.
“Such people may infect others at home and elsewhere,” he continued. “They may be avoiding isolation – but it just does not make sense. I call for people to be tested.”
AT THE PRESS conference, the Health Ministry issued new testing guidelines – again. This time they were presented by the ministry’s new head of public health, Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis.
“We are expanding the scope of the testing,” she said. “We will now screen people without symptoms who were in contact with a verified patient, if the epidemiological investigation defined that there was ‘dangerous contact’ between them.
“I ask everyone: Even if they test negative, isolation must be completed.”
As per the new protocol, going forward, people who have encountered someone who is known to have the virus will be tested, regardless of their symptoms. Until now, only family members of the patient were required to be screened.
Additionally, anyone who is planning to undergo an elective medical procedure will be tested 72 hours in advance to ensure that he or she is not a carrier.
Alroy-Preis additionally explained that medical workers who were exposed to a known coronavirus patient could potentially leave isolation as early as 10 days later. Under the new system, the health care worker would enter quarantine and be tested between five to eight days after coming in contact with the patient. If the test comes out negative, then the medical professional would be retested on day 10. If that test is also negative, the worker will be released.
Israelis considering traveling abroad would need to adhere to the requirements of the countries to which they are visiting.
On Monday, the Health Ministry reported that 23,982 people were screened for the virus, of which around 7% (1,693 people) tested positive. Another 1,091 were diagnosed with corona between midnight and press time.
In his remarks, Gamzu also referred to the challenge of “red cities,” such as Bnei Brak, Elad, Beitar Illit and Modi’in Illit, which he said are not yet being fully managed.
“A lot more work needs to be done – and it does not happen fast,” Gamzu stressed. He said specifically that the Health Ministry is weighing imposing a closure on Modi’in Illit, where there were 1,167 active cases on Tuesday, including 618 who were diagnosed in the last week.
He said that he does not want to place closures on the ultra-Orthodox and Arab communities that are red and orange, but that there may be no choice.
There are currently four red cities: Modi’in Illit, Bnei Brak, Ein Naqquba and Kafr Bara. However, there are 25 orange cities, including Jerusalem, which continues to have the highest number of sick people – 3,886 at press time.
Despite the rising numbers, on Tuesday evening, the government approved the framework for immediately opening cultural events, the Prime Minister’s Office said. According to the new guidelines, performances will take place outside with the audience seated in capsules of up to 20 people. As many as 500 people can attend an event.
“Culture is important to the mental health and wellbeing of the public,” Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said in a statement.
Regarding that, he said: “We’ll decide soon.” Meanwhile, Gamzu spoke with Israel’s Channel 13 Tuesday night and reiterated that he hopes schools would open on September 1 as planned, though he cautioned that this could depend on the rate of infection. He said that several health experts had recommended pushing off the start of school for students in grades four and above until after the High Holidays.Regarding that, he said: “We’ll decide soon.”
Israel has had more coronavirus cases than China, according to numbers presented by the Health Ministry on Tuesday.As of Tuesday evening, Israel has had 86,147 people infected with the novel coronavirus and China has had 84,712, according to the World ‘O Meters website. However, Israel has had fewer than 650 people die from COVID-19 while China has had 4,634 fatalities – more than seven times as many.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Knesset approves first reading of equal pay annual report law

Knesset approved the first reading of a new law for equal pay for female and male employees. The new legislation, endorsed by MK Etty Hava Atia (Likud), passed without objections.The law proposal will be transferred to the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee in preparation for second and third readings. This legislation is expected to improve the pay conditions of women and men in Israel.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Defense Minister Gantz, IDF Chief of Staff Kochavi visit Navy base

Defense Minister Benny Gantz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi and Navy Commander Maj.-Gen. Eli Sharvit on Tuesday visited a Navy base in Haifa, according to Defense Ministry press release.Gantz spoke with ship crew members, received updates regarding new technological developments and approved operational plans.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Half the daily 100,000 COVID-19 cases in Americas are in US -WHO

More than 100,000 cases of C0VID-19 are being reported every day in the Americas, half of them in the United States, and there are worrisome spikes in countries that had controlled their epidemics, like Argentina and Colombia, the World Health Organization regional director Carissa Etienne said on Tuesday."Our region remains under COVID's grip," she said in a virtual briefing from Washington with other Pan American Health Organization directors. Etienne said the disruption of healthcare services threatened an increase in illnesses that were under control such as TB, HIV and hepatitis.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--At least 81 people killed as South Sudan's disarmament erupts in violence

At least 81 people have been killed in the South Sudan region of Warrap State following heavy fighting between armed civilians and government forces carrying out a disarmament exercise, the military's spokesman said on Tuesday.Lul Ruai Koang told Reuters the two-day clashes erupted over the weekend after some armed youths in the Greater Tonj area started engaging the security forces.It was not immediately clear what sparked the fight, he said, adding that an investigation has been started."Among the dead are 55 members of the security forces and 26 civilians. Another 31 servicemen were also wounded," Koang said, adding that the numbers could rise.The wounded security personnel were flown to the military hospital in the capital Juba for treatment, he said, adding that calm had returned to the area as authorities restored order.The national government, formed this year after a deal to end a conflict that broke out in 2013, launched a disarmament exercise in Tonj county last month, saying that armed militias in the area were driving inter-communal violence.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--IDF to send troops to West Bank to improve security

Following routine IDF assessments, the military decided to reinforce positions in the West Bank to improve general security around the security fence area, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced on Tuesday evening.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Turkish strike kills Iraqi border guards, Iraqi military says

The attack took place in the Sidakan area in northeastern Iraq , near the Turkish and Iranian borders , the @ @ @ @ @ , calling the attack `` flagrant aggression . ''

A Turkish drone strike on Tuesday killed two members of Iraq's border guard and the driver of the vehicle they were in, the Iraqi military said.
The attack took place in the Sidakan area in northeastern Iraq, near the Turkish and Iranian borders, the military said in a statement, calling the attack "flagrant aggression."
It did not elaborate.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Netanyahu slams Mandelblit in a letter, accuses him of inaction

In a letter Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote to Attorney-General Avihai Mandeblit, the prime minister accused the attorney-general of "inaction in face of the calls to murder me and my family members and rape my wife. It is not less than outrageous," according to The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv.Netanayhu further added that unlike previously, he hopes to elicit a proper response this time, something other than "yet another bureaucratic rejection letter in a twisted language."


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Mexico to conduct late-stage trials for China, US COVID-19 vaccines

Mexico will conduct late-stage clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines in development by Johnson & Johnson and two Chinese companies, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.Large-scale, phase three human testing for the J&J unit Janssen Pharmaceuticals's candidate could start in the second half of September, the company has previously said.Mexico will also help test candidates for Chinese companies Cansino Biologics Inc and Walvax Biotechnology Co Ltd, the ministry said in a presentation at a news conference.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Greece urges Turkey to withdraw vessel from continental shelf

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias urged Turkey on Tuesday to withdraw a vessel from the Greek continental shelf."Greece will defend its sovereignty and its rights. We are calling on Turkey to immediately leave the Greek continental shelf," Dendias said in statements aired on state ERT TV.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Lithuania: Belarus opposition had no option but to leave her country

Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanouskaya left her home country on threat of detention, and Belarus officials facilitated her departure, Lithuanian foreign minister Linas Linkevicius said."She apparently faced certain pressure and did not have much choice but to leave the country," Linkevicius told a news conference."Apparently, the other choice was not compatible with freedom, so she needed to take the offered possibility to leave the country, and used it", said Linkevicius.Tikhanouskaya was given a one-year visa and a place to stay in Lithuania, which is taking care of her safety, Linkevicius said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--LGBTQ+ flags put up after another homophobic incident in Ramat Gan

A LGBTQ+ flag was torn down from a private residence in Ramat Gan on Saturday in the third LGBTQphobic incident reported in the city in the past month , according to Ynet .
A security camera caught the passerby stopping and trying for ten minutes to rip down the rainbow flag from the fence of the home before taking out a knife and cutting it down .
`` I noticed on Sunday that the flag had disappeared , so I looked at the camera and saw everything , '' said Ravit Barnes , the resident of the home , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her husband and four children and put up the flag to teach her kids .
`` This can not be done .
No one will interfere in what I want to do and challenge my right to raise the children in my belief that every person is accepted as a person , without any label , '' said Barnes .
The mother of four explained that she had received only positive responses when she first put up the flag , but `` now the feeling is very uncomfortable .
People have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an hour because of a flag to hurt other people . ''
The incident on Saturday comes after a couple in the city received a note from a neighbor telling them to remove an LGBTQ+ flag from their balcony last month and after an LGBTQ+ `` Pride Tag '' decal on a store window in Ramat Gan was vandalized with a swastika last week .
`` I decided to respond again with more light against this darkness and to place many LGBTQ+ flags around the entire neighborhood for a month , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one who blindly believes in the righteousness of the prohibition of male intercourse in the Torah , he must remember that God did not appoint him to judge the other person in His place .
`` The incident on Saturday comes after a couple in the city received a note from a neighbor telling them to remove an LGBTQ+ flag from their balcony last month and after an LGBTQ+ `` Pride Tag '' decal on a store window in Ramat Gan was vandalized with a swastika last week .

A LGBTQ+ flag was torn down from a private residence in Ramat Gan on Saturday in the third LGBTQphobic incident reported in the city in the past month, according to Ynet.
A security camera caught the passerby stopping and trying for ten minutes to rip down the rainbow flag from the fence of the home before taking out a knife and cutting it down.
רמת גן: למישהו היה מאוד קשה לראות את הדגל הזה  תלוי בתוך חצר של בית פרטי בקריית קריניצי אז הוא החליט לעשות מעשה. ראש העיר כרמל שאמה- הכהן הודיע בתגובה שידאג לתלות דגלי גאווה ברחבי השכונה@ynetalerts pic.twitter.com/L7c46T55tI — איתי בלומנטל Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) August 12, 2020
"I noticed on Sunday that the flag had disappeared, so I looked at the camera and saw everything," said Ravit Barnes, the resident of the home, to ynet.
Barnes lives in the home with her husband and four children and put up the flag to teach her kids. "This cannot be done. No one will interfere in what I want to do and challenge my right to raise the children in my belief that every person is accepted as a person, without any label," said Barnes.
The mother of four explained that she had received only positive responses when she first put up the flag, but "now the feeling is very uncomfortable. People have no boundaries if the person dedicated a quarter of an hour because of a flag to hurt other people."
In response to the incident, Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama HaCohen had the municipality place LGBTQ+ flags on streets throughout the neighborhood.
תגובת עיריית רמת גן וראש העיר @CarmelShama : pic.twitter.com/g6G8MKPmJY — איתי בלומנטל Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) August 12, 2020


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Attempt to smuggle balloons to Gaza thwarted by Tax Authority

The helium balloons were found in two containers of old clothing items that were headed for Gaza during a customs @ @ @ @ @ carried out by the Ashdod customs house in order to prevent the smuggling of weapons @ @ @ @ @ Gaza Strip , according to a press release by the Tax Authority .
The issue @ @ @ @ @ officials for further handling .
The Tax Authority in Ashdod deals with 90 % of @ @ @ @ @ Strip and is making efforts to stop the import of balloons in order to prevent @ @ @ @ @ Strip .
Terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip have renewed the launch of incendiary and @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 68 fires were reported in areas surrounding Gaza on Tuesday .

The helium balloons were found in two containers of old clothing items that were headed for Gaza during a customs and security risk assessment operation carried out by the Ashdod customs house in order to prevent the smuggling of weapons and dual-use goods into the Gaza Strip, according to a press release by the Tax Authority.
The issue was handed over to security officials for further handling. The Tax Authority in Ashdod deals with 90% of the imports into the Gaza Strip and is making efforts to stop the import of balloons in order to prevent the balloon terror from the Strip.
Terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip have renewed the launch of incendiary and explosive balloons in recent days. Some 68 fires were reported in areas surrounding Gaza on Tuesday.
The Tax Authority in Ashdod thwarted an attempt to smuggle tens of thousands of balloons into the Gaza Strip last week.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Teachers' union declares labor dispute just weeks before school starts

`` We all want the school year to start as usual , but for that to happen we need to @ @ @ @ @ said Yafeh Ben David , Secretary-General of the Teacher 's Union .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ whole year , the moment has come to cut , but as we know with @ @ @ @ @ things will only be closed up at the last minute .
The solution exists and @ @ @ @ @ feet again .
`` The school year is set to start in about three weeks @ @ @ @ @ are not resolved within the next two weeks , the union will be able to @ @ @ @

"We all want the school year to start as usual, but for that to happen we need to solve the issues," said Yafeh Ben David, Secretary-General of the Teacher's Union. "I've been in litigation for a whole year, the moment has come to cut, but as we know with things in our country, things will only be closed up at the last minute. The solution exists and the treasury is dragging its feet again."The school year is set to start in about three weeks. If the stated issues are not resolved within the next two weeks, the union will be able to declare a strike.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 20.41 million, death toll at 742,207

More than 20.41 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 742,207 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Bill preventing those under indictment from forming gov't rejected

The bill proposed by the opposition of the Knesset to prevent someone under indictment, such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, from forming a government.This comes after Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid exchanged harsh words surrounding the proposed bill.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Belarus says police detained more than 1,000 protesters overnight

Belarusian police detained more than 1,000 protesters on the third night of protests on Tuesday that broke out over a contested election handing a new term to President Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.The ministry said 51 protesters and 14 police officers were hurt during the protests overnight.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Coronavirus in Israel: 1,785 new patients; 633 dead

There were another 1,785 people diagnosed with the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, the Health Ministry reported Wednesday.Among the sick are 379 people in serious condition, including 103 who are intubated.Some 11 people died in the last day, bringing the dead toll to 633.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Opposition attempts to rescind budget extension bill

The Knesset opposition attempted to rescind the budget extension bill from the plenum's agenda.However, Yariv Levin did not let them skip the bill.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Rocket hits near US Embassy in Baghdad, no injuries reported

The rocket seemed to have been launched from the Rasheed Airbase , according to the media cell and another rocket @ @ @ @ @ the base as well .
The rocket strike set off sirens at the US embassy @ @ @ @ @ US military ran off screen after having to cut off a live television interview with @ @ @ @ @ were heard .
No injuries or damage was reported .

The rocket seemed to have been launched from the Rasheed Airbase, according to the media cell and another rocket was prepared for launching at the base as well.
The rocket strike set off sirens at the US embassy. A spokesperson for the US military ran off screen after having to cut off a live television interview with Al-Taghier TV as the sirens were heard.
No injuries or damage was reported.
A Katyusha rocket landed near the US Embassy in the Green Zone of Baghdad on Tuesday night, according to Iraq's Security Media Cell.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Hezbollah leader Nasrallah to speak on Friday about 'latest developments'

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to speak on Friday at 8:30 PM to mark the anniversary of the Second Lebanon War and to discuss the "latest developments," according to the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar news.This will be his second speech within two weeks. Nasrallah spoke last week on Friday to discuss the Beirut Port explosion.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--US Rep. who supports QAnon conspiracy theory wins nomination to Congress

A Republican businesswoman who has expressed support for the QAnon conspiracy theory, Marjorie Taylor Greene, won her party's nomination Tuesday for a seat in the US Congress from Georgia, the New York Times said.Greene defeated John Cowan, a neurosurgeon, in a primary runoff. The winner will likely be elected in November in the conservative district. QAnon is a fringe belief propagated online that claims without evidence "deep-state" traitors are plotting against President Donald Trump.


jerusalempost--2020-08-13--IDF strikes Gaza following explosive balloon launches

Israeli Air Force jet fighters , as well as attack helicopters and IDF tanks , struck Hamas targets in the @ @ @ @ @ balloon launches , the IDF Spokesperson 's Unit said early Thursday morning .
`` Explosive @ @ @ @ @ from Gaza into Israel today , causing fires on land across southern Israel , '' @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In response , we just struck Hamas targets in Gaza , including a @ @ @ @ @ & observation posts . ''
The IDF `` takes all terrorist activity toward Israeli territory @ @ @ @ @ all necessary to thwart attempts to harm Israeli citizens , '' the Spokesperson continued .
@ @ @ @ @ all that is happening inside and from the Gaza Strip , and it will suffer @ @ @ @ @ against Israeli citizens . ''

Israeli Air Force jet fighters, as well as attack helicopters and IDF tanks, struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip overnight following incendiary balloon launches, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said early Thursday morning.
"Explosive balloons continued to be launched from Gaza into Israel today, causing fires on land across southern Israel," the IDF said on Twitter.
"In response, we just struck Hamas targets in Gaza, including a military compound, underground infrastructure & observation posts."
The IDF "takes all terrorist activity toward Israeli territory very seriously and will do all necessary to thwart attempts to harm Israeli citizens," the Spokesperson continued.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--France to bolster military presence over Turkish prospecting

France will increase its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean , President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday , calling on Turkey to halt oil and gas exploration in disputed waters that has heightened tensions with Greece .
The French leader voiced concern over `` unilateral '' exploration by Turkey in a call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis , Macron 's office said in a statement .
It added that prospecting should `` cease in order to allow a peaceful dialogue '' between the neighbouring NATO members .
The standoff deepened this week with the arrival of Turkish seismic research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Mediterranean , accompanied by warships .
France will `` temporarily reinforce '' its military presence , Macron 's statement said , to `` monitor the situation in the region and mark its determination to uphold international law . ''
Turkey and Greece are at loggerheads over competing claims to natural gas reserves , brought into sharp focus by the attempts of EU member Cyprus to explore for gas in the eastern Mediterranean over Turkey 's strong objections .
Macron called last month for EU sanctions against Turkey for what he described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cypriot sovereignty over their territorial waters .
Relations between Paris and Ankara have also frayed over the conflict in Libya .

France will increase its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday, calling on Turkey to halt oil and gas exploration in disputed waters that has heightened tensions with Greece.
The French leader voiced concern over "unilateral" exploration by Turkey in a call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron's office said in a statement. It added that prospecting should "cease in order to allow a peaceful dialogue" between the neighbouring NATO members.
The standoff deepened this week with the arrival of Turkish seismic research vessel Oruc Reis in a disputed area of the Mediterranean, accompanied by warships.
France will "temporarily reinforce" its military presence, Macron's statement said, to "monitor the situation in the region and mark its determination to uphold international law."
Turkey and Greece are at loggerheads over competing claims to natural gas reserves, brought into sharp focus by the attempts of EU member Cyprus to explore for gas in the eastern Mediterranean over Turkey's strong objections.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Ghislaine Maxwell fails to obtain delay in unsealing documents

A US judge on Wednesday rejected Ghislaine Maxwell 's request for a three-week delay in the unsealing of additional documents related to her dealings with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein .
Lawyers for the British socialite , who faces criminal charges she aided Epstein 's sexual abuses , had on Monday said `` critical new information '' had surfaced that could affect Maxwell 's ability to obtain a fair trial , justifying the delay .
But in a two-page order , US District Judge Loretta Preska in Manhattan said she had no reasonable basis to order a delay , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant the new information could not be disclosed .
Lawyers for Maxwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
The documents come from a long-settled civil defamation case against Maxwell by Virginia Giuffre , who said Epstein kept her as a `` sex slave '' with Maxwell 's help .
Maxwell has asked the federal appeals court in Manhattan to block the release from that case of a 2016 deposition about her sex life , also citing the threat to a fair trial .
That court is scheduled to hear oral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal trial is scheduled for next July .
US prosecutors are expected by Thursday to respond to a separate request by Maxwell 's lawyers that she be moved into the general population at the Brooklyn jail where she is being held .
The lawyers said Maxwell has been subjected to `` uniquely onerous '' conditions , including 24-hour surveillance and numerous body scans , and should be treated like other pretrial detainees .
Epstein was found hanged last August in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges , 2-1/2 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A US judge on Wednesday rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's request for a three-week delay in the unsealing of additional documents related to her dealings with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Lawyers for the British socialite, who faces criminal charges she aided Epstein's sexual abuses, had on Monday said "critical new information" had surfaced that could affect Maxwell's ability to obtain a fair trial, justifying the delay.
But in a two-page order, US District Judge Loretta Preska in Manhattan said she had no reasonable basis to order a delay, because a protective order in the criminal case meant the new information could not be disclosed.
Lawyers for Maxwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The documents come from a long-settled civil defamation case against Maxwell by Virginia Giuffre, who said Epstein kept her as a "sex slave" with Maxwell's help.
Maxwell has asked the federal appeals court in Manhattan to block the release from that case of a 2016 deposition about her sex life, also citing the threat to a fair trial.
That court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Sept. 22. Maxwell's criminal trial is scheduled for next July.
US prosecutors are expected by Thursday to respond to a separate request by Maxwell's lawyers that she be moved into the general population at the Brooklyn jail where she is being held.
The lawyers said Maxwell has been subjected to "uniquely onerous" conditions, including 24-hour surveillance and numerous body scans, and should be treated like other pretrial detainees.
Epstein was found hanged last August in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, 2-1/2 weeks after an apparent unsuccessful suicide attempt.
Maxwell's lawyers called her treatment in jail "a reaction" to Epstein's jailing and death.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Pompeo says he warned Lavrov against offering bounties for US soldiers

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that there would be `` an enormous price to pay '' if Moscow is offering bounties to kill US soldiers or other Western troops in Afghanistan .
The New York Times in June reported that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces in Afghanistan — including American troops , citing U.S. intelligence officials .
President Donald Trump said he was not told about the information because many U.S. intelligence officials doubted its veracity , although several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty , Pompeo declined to say whether he believed the intelligence was credible or if he thought Trump should have been briefed , but said Washington would not put up with such behavior .
`` If the Russians are offering money to kill Americans , or for that matter other Westerns as well , there will be an enormous price to pay .
That 's what I shared with foreign minister Lavrov , '' Pompeo said in the interview , conducted during his official visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know our military has talked to their senior leaders as well .
We wo n't brook that , we wo n't tolerate , '' Pompeo said .
Last month , US and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said that the United States had acquired fresh reporting backing up the allegations that Russia had encouraged Taliban-affiliated militants to kill U.S. and allied soldiers in Afghanistan .
The intelligence reporting comes as the United States has been engaged in negotiating with the Taliban as well as the Afghan government to get a stalled peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrawal of US troops , moving .

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he warned his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that there would be "an enormous price to pay" if Moscow is offering bounties to kill US soldiers or other Western troops in Afghanistan.
The New York Times in June reported that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing coalition forces in Afghanistan — including American troops, citing U.S. intelligence officials.
President Donald Trump said he was not told about the information because many U.S. intelligence officials doubted its veracity, although several U.S. and European sources contradicted his comments.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pompeo declined to say whether he believed the intelligence was credible or if he thought Trump should have been briefed, but said Washington would not put up with such behavior.
"If the Russians are offering money to kill Americans, or for that matter other Westerns as well, there will be an enormous price to pay. That's what I shared with foreign minister Lavrov," Pompeo said in the interview, conducted during his official visit to the Czech Republic.
"I know our military has talked to their senior leaders as well. We won't brook that, we won't tolerate," Pompeo said.
Last month, US and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said that the United States had acquired fresh reporting backing up the allegations that Russia had encouraged Taliban-affiliated militants to kill U.S. and allied soldiers in Afghanistan.
The intelligence reporting comes as the United States has been engaged in negotiating with the Taliban as well as the Afghan government to get a stalled peace agreement, struck in February for the withdrawal of US troops, moving.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Bedouin authorities threaten to strike in support of colleague's arrest

Bedouin local authorities in southern Israel announced on Wednesday evening that they will be striking on Thursday following the arrest of head of the Al-Kasom Regional Council Salama al-Atrash, according to The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv.The announcement stated that heads of the Bedouin local councils will meet on Thursday morning to discuss further acts of protests that can be carried out in order to show their support in al-Atrash and his fight against the demolition of illegal houses in the unrecognized Bedouin villages.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Baby seriously injured after being hit by a car in Jerusalem

A one and a half-year-old baby was seriously injured on Wednesday evening after being hit by a car on Yochanan Mizrachi Street in Jerusalem.United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs treated the infant for his injuries at the scene before evacuating him to the hospital.United Hatzalah volunteer Shimo Kirshevsky, who was one of the first responders at the scene, said: "Together with other first responders who arrived at the scene, I treated the infant, who had come out of the courtyard of his home and was moderately to seriously injured after he was struck by a car. He suffered a serious head injury and injuries to his limbs.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--IDF reports 248 active coronavirus cases

The IDF on Wednesday evening announced that 248 soldiers and IDF civilian employees were diagnosed with coronavirus, all of whom are in light condition, except for one who is in moderate condition.Some 3,718 additional soldiers are currently in home isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--US CDC reports 1,244 new deaths due to the coronavirus as of yesterday

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday reported 5,119,711 cases of coronavirus, an increase of 55,540 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 1,244 to 163,651.The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 pm ET on Aug. 11 versus its previous report a day earlier. (https://bit.ly/2UkMHx9)The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Police block streets in Tel Aviv following protest

Israel Police blocked several streets and intersections in Tel Aviv on Wednesday night, following a demonstration that took place at the intersection of Begin and Kaplan.The demonstration was organized by parents whose children attended a kindergarten that made headlines recently when several daycare workers it employed were arrested for allegedly abusing the kindergarten's children.The following streets in Tel Aviv were blocked for vehicles:- Kaplan Street, from Ibn Gvirol to Menachem Begin.- Kaplan intersection through Menachem Begin.- Ammunition Hill Street - from Yigal Alon through Menachem Begin (Azrieli intersection).Police officers are directing vehicles through alternate routes.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Greece registers 262 new coronavirus cases, highest daily tally

The latest jump in cases brings the total number of infections in the country to 6,177 since its first infection @ @ @ @ @ There have been 216 deaths recorded .

Greece reported 262 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, its highest daily tally since the start of the outbreak in the country, health authorities said.
The latest jump in cases brings the total number of infections in the country to 6,177 since its first infection surfaced in late February. There have been 216 deaths recorded.
The increase in infections in recent weeks has prompted authorities to gradually introduce more restrictions during the peak of the tourism season.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--IDF reduces Gaza fishing zone in response to incendiary balloons

The Sons of Al-Zawari balloon unit warned in a reportedly direct Telegram channel that they would be `` beginning a new battle '' on Wednesday morning in response to airstrikes conducted by the IDF in Gaza .
Other balloon units echoed the statement , saying that they `` are not afraid of [ Israel 's ] threats or planes . ''
Many of the statements by the balloon units in recent days have referred to the launches as the `` Battle of the Lion 's Roar . ''
An incendiary balloon landed in the yard of a house in one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regional Council and was extinguished immediately .
No injuries or damage were caused .
An explosive balloon landed in a Border Police base in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council on Wednesday and was neutralized by a sapper , according to Ynet .
An incendiary balloon landed in the yard of a house in one of the towns in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council and was extinguished immediately .
No injuries or damage were caused.An explosive balloon landed in a Border Police base in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council on Wednesday and was neutralized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We wo n't allow Israel to change the rules of the game ; we will respond to every attack by it , '' said the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group on Wednesday .
`` Balloon launches are part of the national operations and this will continue in order to place pressure on Israel to carry out what was agreed upon concerning lightening the siege [ on Gaza ] . ''
On Tuesday , over 68 fires were sparked by incendiary and explosive balloons throughout the Gaza envelope , burning about 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't allow Israel to change the rules of the game ; we will respond to every attack by it , '' said the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group on Wednesday .
`` Balloon launches are part of the national operations and this will continue in order to place pressure on Israel to carry out what was agreed upon concerning lightening the siege [ on Gaza ] . ''
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum warned on Wednesday that the terror group 's silence concerning the blockade on the Gaza Strip `` will not continue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Gaza was reduced from 15 miles to eight miles on Wednesday evening in response to the continued launches .
The Tax Authority in Ashdod announced on Wednesday that it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle tens of thousands of balloons into the Gaza Strip last week .
The authority deals with 90 % of the imports into the Gaza Strip .
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum warned on Wednesday that the terror group 's silence concerning the blockade on the Gaza Strip `` will not continue .
`` The fishing zone off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles to eight miles on Wednesday evening in response to the continued launches.The Tax Authority in Ashdod announced on Wednesday that it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle tens of thousands of balloons into the Gaza Strip last week .
The authority deals with 90 % of the imports into the Gaza Strip .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned that Israel would respond forcefully to the balloon launches .
“ I want to make clear to all of Iran ’ s proxies , including Gaza – there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terror , ” Netanyahu said .
“ We will act and exact a heavy price .
We ’ ve done it in the past .
Remember that , because we will do it again now . ''
`` The plague of Gaza terror is still here ! ''
said Itamar Revivo , Head of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council , on Wednesday .
`` This is not the first wave or the second wave , but years upon years of continued terror ! ''
Revivo stressed that balloons should be treated like rockets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring together the best minds in the fight against a mysterious virus , and it is time to mobilize the best minds to find an effective solution for terrorism in general and balloon terrorism in particular , '' Revivo said .
`` The residents of the [ Gaza ] envelope deserve to live in peace and quiet and receive an appropriate response to the security challenges that are often imposed on them . ''
IDF fighter jets , helicopters and tanks IDF fighter jets , helicopters and tanks struck a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday night , targeting a military compound , underground infrastructure and observation posts .
On Monday night , the Defense Ministry announced that it would close the Kerem Shalom crossing except for fuel and humanitarian aid transfers .
The laser system takes out each balloon individually and aims to drop the balloons as early as possible within Gaza – or at least make sure that security forces know where they fall in Israel .
The balloon launches were renewed last week , after over a month during which only a few incendiary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last round of consistent balloon launches was in June .

The Sons of Al-Zawari balloon unit warned in a reportedly direct Telegram channel that they would be "beginning a new battle" on Wednesday morning in response to airstrikes conducted by the IDF in Gaza. Other balloon units echoed the statement, saying that they "are not afraid of [Israel's] threats or planes."
Many of the statements by the balloon units in recent days have referred to the launches as the "Battle of the Lion's Roar."
Balloon units in the Gaza Strip warned on Wednesday that they would continue launches of incendiary and explosive balloons in response to IDF strikes against terror infrastructure in the Strip on Tuesday night, as Israeli officials warned of a forceful response to the launches.On Wednesday, at least 24 fires were sparked by incendiary balloons in southern Israel in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council and in the Eshkol Regional Council.
טרור הבלונים: שריפה בין אור הנר לשדרות. הגבעות "נאכלות" בלהבות, שדרות נעלמת מבעד מסך העשן pic.twitter.com/gIXVNvBlCU — matan tzuri מתן צורי (@MatanTzuri) August 12, 2020
An incendiary balloon landed in the yard of a house in one of the towns in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council and was extinguished immediately. No injuries or damage were caused. An explosive balloon landed in a Border Police base in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council on Wednesday and was neutralized by a sapper, according to Ynet. An incendiary balloon landed in the yard of a house in one of the towns in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council and was extinguished immediately. No injuries or damage were caused.An explosive balloon landed in a Border Police base in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council on Wednesday and was neutralized by a sapper, according to Ynet.
תיעוד מיוחד: בלון נפץ שהופרח מעזה מעל קיבוץ יד מרדכי, רגע לפני שהוא נוחת בבסיס של מג"ב. לאחר מכן הושמד על ידי חבלן משטרה https://t.co/jyWJJojfM9 pic.twitter.com/XHvYbgeynN — matan tzuri מתן צורי (@MatanTzuri) August 12, 2020
"We won't allow Israel to change the rules of the game; we will respond to every attack by it," said the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group on Wednesday. "Balloon launches are part of the national operations and this will continue in order to place pressure on Israel to carry out what was agreed upon concerning lightening the siege [on Gaza]." On Tuesday, over 68 fires were sparked by incendiary and explosive balloons throughout the Gaza envelope, burning about 200 hectares of land."We won't allow Israel to change the rules of the game; we will respond to every attack by it," said the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group on Wednesday. "Balloon launches are part of the national operations and this will continue in order to place pressure on Israel to carry out what was agreed upon concerning lightening the siege [on Gaza]."
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum warned on Wednesday that the terror group's silence concerning the blockade on the Gaza Strip "will not continue." The fishing zone off the coast of Gaza was reduced from 15 miles to eight miles on Wednesday evening in response to the continued launches. The Tax Authority in Ashdod announced on Wednesday that it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle tens of thousands of balloons into the Gaza Strip last week. The authority deals with 90% of the imports into the Gaza Strip. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum warned on Wednesday that the terror group's silence concerning the blockade on the Gaza Strip "will not continue."The fishing zone off the coast of Gaza was reduced from 15 miles to eight miles on Wednesday evening in response to the continued launches.The Tax Authority in Ashdod announced on Wednesday that it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle tens of thousands of balloons into the Gaza Strip last week. The authority deals with 90% of the imports into the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned that Israel would respond forcefully to the balloon launches.
“I want to make clear to all of Iran’s proxies, including Gaza – there will be a heavy price to the balloon terror,” Netanyahu said. “We will act and exact a heavy price. We’ve done it in the past. Remember that, because we will do it again now."
"The plague of Gaza terror is still here!" said Itamar Revivo, Head of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, on Wednesday. "This is not the first wave or the second wave, but years upon years of continued terror!" Revivo stressed that balloons should be treated like rockets. "The Israeli government knows how to bring together the best minds in the fight against a mysterious virus, and it is time to mobilize the best minds to find an effective solution for terrorism in general and balloon terrorism in particular," Revivo said. "The residents of the [Gaza] envelope deserve to live in peace and quiet and receive an appropriate response to the security challenges that are often imposed on them." IDF fighter jets, helicopters and tanks IDF fighter jets, helicopters and tanks struck a number of Hamas terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday night, targeting a military compound, underground infrastructure and observation posts.
On Monday night, the Defense Ministry announced that it would close the Kerem Shalom crossing except for fuel and humanitarian aid transfers.
The Lahav-Or laser system was deployed along the Gaza border on Tuesday to down incendiary and explosive balloons before they enter Israel. The system is currently operated by Border Police, Prof. Amiel Ishaaya told KAN Reshet Bet radio on Wednesday.
The laser system takes out each balloon individually and aims to drop the balloons as early as possible within Gaza – or at least make sure that security forces know where they fall in Israel.
The balloon launches were renewed last week, after over a month during which only a few incendiary and explosive balloons were reported. The last round of consistent balloon launches was in June.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--French COVID-19 infections set new post-lockdown daily record

The French health ministry reported 2,524 new coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours, setting a new post-lockdown daily record and taking the country's cumulative total of cases to 206,696.The seven-day moving average of new infections, which averages out weekly data reporting irregularities, increased to 1,810, the highest level since April 24, when the epidemic was in full swing.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Coronavirus in Israel: Nearly 640 people have died from the virus

There were 1,804 people diagnosed with coronavirus on Tuesday and another 1,003 between midnight and press time on Wednesday, the Health Ministry.Some 369 people are in serious condition, including 110 who are intubated.In total, 639 people have died from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-08-12--Health Ministry: Quarantine duration to be shortened by 1-3 days - report

The Health Ministry announced on Wednesday that it will be shortening the duration of the mandatory quarantine for coronavirus patients, according to a report by Kan News.According to the new guidelines, the duration of quarantine, both for patients who show symptoms and for those who do not, will start from the same day of their test and not on the day they receive the results.This move is expected to shorten the duration of quarantine by one to three days, according to Kan News, who quoted Dr. Sharon Elrai, head of public health at the Health Ministry.