jerusalempost--2020-12-23--43-year-old investigated for setting two classrooms on fire

Israel Police arrested a 43-year-old man from Rahat late Monday night. He is being investigated for lighting two classrooms on fire in Rahat's 21 neighborhood.The investigation is ongoing.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Two Hadassah Medical Center board members resign in protest

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Yuval Yanai and Dan Ziskind, two notable board members at Hadassah Medical Center, surprised the medical community with their resignation on Tuesday, as a response to a few recent actions taken by the Hadassah women's organization.In what Yanai and Ziskind called a sudden decision, the women's organization decided not to extend Erez Meltzer's position as chairman of Hadassah Medical Center.They claimed they were not aware of the organization's intentions in doing so, especially during an exceptionally challenging time in the medical world.Another facet of their criticism is directed towards the women organization's temporary chairman appointee Hezi Ofir, and the conflict that that created with the Finance Ministry.The two said they would be happy to return to the board if conditions change.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Ronen Plot appointed interim chair of Yad Vashem

Ronen Plot, mayor of the northern town of Nof Hagalil, has been selected to serve as the interim chairman of the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum, ending weeks of controversy that had roiled Israeli supporters across the world.The decision, approved by the Yad Vashem Board on Tuesday, came after weeks of controversy due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to appoint former IDF general Effi Eitam to the role. Plot previously served as director-general of the Knesset.Eitam is a retired IDF brigadier-general and government minister. Higher Education Minister Ze’ev Elkin, who stepped down from the Knesset on Wednesday to join Gideon Sa’ar’s new party, originally nominated Eitam to serve as the new chairman of Yad Vashem, despite extreme comments he has made in the past about Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, as well as allegations that he authorized brutality against Palestinians while serving as a senior military officer.In 2006, at a memorial event for a soldier killed in the First Lebanon War, Eitam said that Israel would need to “expel the large majority of Arabs of Judea and Samaria; [things are] impossible with all these Arabs here, and we cannot give up on the territory.”Eitam’s candidacy was met with fierce opposition from Jewish leaders across the Diaspora as well as Israeli politicians. Blue and White leader Benny Gantz said that he would not support the nomination in a cabinet vote.A petition against Eitam’s appointment was initiated by dozens of international historians, academics, museum curators and other public figures, including the renowned scholar and author Prof. Deborah Lipstadt.Plot’s appointment is temporary and he will continue to serve as mayor of Nof Hagalil – formerly known as Nazareth Illit – concurrently with the chairmanship of Yad Vashem. A permanent chairman will be appointed following the establishment of a new government.Outgoing chairman Avner Shalev expressed his willingness to assist Plot to the full extent necessary during the period of his service as acting chairman. “I extend my warm appreciation to Ronen Plot for his consent to take this responsibility upon himself, as a volunteer, and wish him much success,” Shalev said.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Two possible terror attacks near Kiryat Arba and Hebron - report

Israeli security forces responded to a possible terror attack after gunshots were heard near Kiryat Arba on Wednesday night, according to Walla News.A suspect was shot in a separate incident near Hebron and taken to Soroka-University Medical Center, Walla News reported.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Trump grants full pardon to Russia probe figure George Papadopoulos

President Donald Trump granted a full pardon on Tuesday to George Papadopoulos, a former campaign aide who pleaded guilty as part of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.Trump also pardoned Alex van der Zwaan, 36, the Dutch son-in-law of Russian billionaire German Khan. Van der Zwaan was sentenced to 30 days in prison and fined $20,000 for lying to U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigators about contacts with an official in Trump’s 2016 campaign.Their names were included in a wave of pre-Christmas pardons announced by the White House. Trump granted full pardons to 15 people, including three former Republican lawmakers, and commuted all or part of the sentences of five others.Papadopoulos, 33, was an adviser to Trump's 2016 campaign. He pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to FBI agents about the timing and significance of his contacts with people who claimed to have ties to top Russian officials.“The defendant’s crime was serious and caused damage to the government’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election,” a sentencing recommendation memo from then-U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller had said.He served 12 days of a 14-day sentence in federal prison, then was placed on a 12-month supervised release.The White House said Papadopoulos was charged with "a process-related crime, one count of making false statements," as part of the Mueller probe, which Trump had denounced as a witch hunt."Today’s pardon helps correct the wrong that Mueller’s team inflicted on so many people," the White House said.The pardons were part of a flurry of such actions expected by the outgoing Republican president before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20. Trump, who has refused to concede, has made unsubstantiated claims of widespread voting fraud and pursued a series of unsuccessful lawsuits to overturn the result.Last month, Trump pardoned his former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who had twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during the Russia investigation. The Flynn pardon drew condemnation from Democrats and other critics.FORMER LAWMAKERSAlso receiving pardons were three former Republican lawmakers, including former Representative Chris Collins of New York.Collins, 70, had been the first sitting member of Congress to endorse Trump's candidacy in 2016 and was a strong defender of the president. He won re-election in 2018 but resigned the next year."In 2019, Collins pled guilty to the charges of conspiring to commit securities fraud and making false statements to the FBI. Mr. Collins is currently serving his 26-month sentence," the White House said. Trump also issued a full pardon to former Republican Representative Duncan Hunter of California, 44, who pleaded guilty a year ago to a single count of conspiring to convert campaign funds to personal use, a felony carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.Also pardoned was former Republican Representative Steve Stockman of Texas, 64, who was convicted in 2018 of misuse of charitable funds.The White House said he had served more than two years of his 10-year sentence and would remain subject to a period of supervised release and an order requiring that he pay more than $1 million in restitution.Trump also commuted the remaining term of the supervised release of Crystal Munoz, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.Munoz spent years in a federal prison in Fort Worth, with Alice Johnson, who was granted clemency by Trump in 2018 in a case championed by reality TV star Kim Kardashian West.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Knesset passes provisions on voting during coronavirus pandemic

The Knesset approved regulations for voting during the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday night, according to Walla News. The regulations include safety provisions for voting and the designation of special voting locations for those in quarantine.The law was passed with 68 in favor and none opposed just before the Knesset automatically dissolved at midnight.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Biden says huge data breach poses 'grave risk' to US, promises response

US President-elect Joe Biden said on Tuesday that a widespread data breach of the government apparently carried out by the @ @ @ @ @ grave risk '' to national security that can not `` go unanswered . ''
At @ @ @ @ @ faulted President Donald Trump for stripping US defenses against cyber attacks , saying , `` @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's watch , when he was n't watching . ''
Biden said his administration @ @ @ @ @ respond to the breach .

US President-elect Joe Biden said on Tuesday that a widespread data breach of the government apparently carried out by the Russian government poses a "grave risk" to national security that cannot "go unanswered."
At a news conference, Biden faulted President Donald Trump for stripping US defenses against cyber attacks, saying, "This assault happened on Donald Trump's watch, when he wasn't watching." Biden said his administration will take meaningful steps to respond to the breach.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--AstraZeneca says its vaccine should be effective against new coronavirus variant

British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc told Reuters on Tuesday that its COVID-19 vaccine should be effective against the new coronavirus variant @ @ @ @ @ under way to fully probe the impact of the mutation .
`` AZD1222 ( AstraZeneca @ @ @ @ @ the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein , and the changes to the @ @ @ @ @ new viral strain do not appear to change the structure of the spike protein , @ @ @ @ @ in an email .

British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc told Reuters on Tuesday that its COVID-19 vaccine should be effective against the new coronavirus variant, adding that studies were under way to fully probe the impact of the mutation.
"AZD1222 (AstraZeneca's vaccine candidate) contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein, and the changes to the genetic code seen in this new viral strain do not appear to change the structure of the spike protein," an AstraZeneca spokesperson said in an email.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Tunisia says it does not intend to normalize relations with Israel

Tunisia is not interested in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel and its position will not be affected by any international @ @ @ @ @ said on Tuesday .
Morocco joined the list of Arab countries that normalized their relations @ @ @ @ @ arrived in Morocco on Tuesday to meet its king .
Tunisia 's position refutes speculation @ @ @ @ @ will be the last country to normalize relations with Israel , under pressure from the @ @ @ @ @ Trump .

Tunisia is not interested in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel and its position will not be affected by any international changes, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
Morocco joined the list of Arab countries that normalized their relations with Israel and Israeli envoys arrived in Morocco on Tuesday to meet its king.
Tunisia's position refutes speculation that the North African country will be the last country to normalize relations with Israel, under pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Gov't approves NIS 40 million security grant for West Bank settlements

The grant was recommended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will be transferred to local authorities in the West Bank @ @ @ @ @ the IDF on Tuesday said it is increasing security measures in the West Bank

The grant was recommended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will be transferred to local authorities in the West Bank.The move comes after the IDF on Tuesday said it is increasing security measures in the West Bank


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Iraq bans air travel with eight nations over new variant of virus

Iraq is banning air travel to or from eight countries to guard against the spread of a new variant of the coronavirus , and is ordering public venues like shopping malls and restaurants to close , a cabinet statement said on Tuesday .
The two-week travel prohibition comes into effect on Dec. 24 and covers Britain , South Africa , Australia , Denmark , Iran , Japan , Belgium and the Netherlands .
It could be extended depending on the spread of the virus variant in those nations .
Iraqi citizens in those countries will be allowed to return , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All land borders with neighboring nations will also be closed to travelers for two weeks , though the transport of commodities will be permitted , authorities said .
The government ordered malls , restaurants , clubs and other social venues to close for two weeks from Dec. 24 .
Iraq has recorded 586,503 cases of COVID-19 , including 12,725 deaths , according to the health ministry .
The ministry said it had reached an agreement with Pfizer to import 1.5 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine , which would arrive in the @ @ @ @ @

Iraq is banning air travel to or from eight countries to guard against the spread of a new variant of the coronavirus, and is ordering public venues like shopping malls and restaurants to close, a cabinet statement said on Tuesday.
The two-week travel prohibition comes into effect on Dec. 24 and covers Britain, South Africa, Australia, Denmark, Iran, Japan, Belgium and the Netherlands. It could be extended depending on the spread of the virus variant in those nations.
Iraqi citizens in those countries will be allowed to return, subject to a two-week quarantine on arrival.
All land borders with neighboring nations will also be closed to travelers for two weeks, though the transport of commodities will be permitted, authorities said.
The government ordered malls, restaurants, clubs and other social venues to close for two weeks from Dec. 24.
Iraq has recorded 586,503 cases of COVID-19, including 12,725 deaths, according to the health ministry.
The ministry said it had reached an agreement with Pfizer to import 1.5 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, which would arrive in the country early next year.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Moments before Knesset disperses, gov't approves extending budget

Moments before the Knesset was meant to disperse on Tuesday evening, the government approved extending the financial security net for 2021 in the absence of an approved state budget.The extended budget will allow providing necessary services to the country's health system as well as for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.Finance Minister Israel Katz congratulated the decision "that will allow the continued function of the State of Israel from January and until the expected elections and the approval of the state budget."Katz added that had the bill not been passed, the result would be "a devastating blow to the country's capability of providing services to Israel's citizens and the assistance to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic."The bill will still need to pass first and second readings in the Knesset tonight to pass.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Biden picks Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education as he finalizes Cabinet

A source with Biden 's transition team said Biden would nominate Cardona , a veteran teacher and school administrator , a choice that would align with a pledge Biden made during his presidential campaign to appoint a teacher as Education secretary .
Cardona would also be another Latino addition to Biden 's top team , after Latino advocacy groups urged the former vice president to appoint Hispanic Americans to senior roles .
A transition spokesman told Reuters he could not confirm the appointment .
Biden was set to give an address near his home in Wilmington , Delaware , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
Public health experts are advising Americans to avoid gatherings to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus , a message that Biden , who received the first dose of a vaccine against COVID-19 on Monday , has echoed .
Biden 's transition team also announced six new appointments to his White House staff on Tuesday morning .
The officials include the choice of Bruce Reed , who served as Biden 's chief of staff when he was vice president , as White House deputy chief of staff .
Positions still not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general and director of the Central Intelligence Agency .

Joe Biden was set to name Connecticut's Commissioner of Education, Miguel Cardona, as his pick for US Secretary of Education, as the president-elect finalizes the process of selecting a new Cabinet ahead of taking office on Jan. 20.
A source with Biden's transition team said Biden would nominate Cardona, a veteran teacher and school administrator, a choice that would align with a pledge Biden made during his presidential campaign to appoint a teacher as Education secretary.
Cardona would also be another Latino addition to Biden's top team, after Latino advocacy groups urged the former vice president to appoint Hispanic Americans to senior roles.
A transition spokesman told Reuters he could not confirm the appointment.
Biden was set to give an address near his home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the Christmas holiday period.
Public health experts are advising Americans to avoid gatherings to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus, a message that Biden, who received the first dose of a vaccine against COVID-19 on Monday, has echoed.
Biden's transition team also announced six new appointments to his White House staff on Tuesday morning.
The officials include the choice of Bruce Reed, who served as Biden's chief of staff when he was vice president, as White House deputy chief of staff.
Positions still not filled in Biden's administration include attorney general and director of the Central Intelligence Agency.


jerusalempost--2020-12-22--Coronavirus tests to be free to returning passengers at Ben-Gurion Airport

"Check2fly" coronavirus testing will be free to Israelis returning from abroad, the Israel Airports Authority confirmed.Until now, standard tests with results delivered within 14 hours cost NIS 45 and rapid results, available in four hours, cost NIS 135.The move comes as the government approved a plan to require all returnees to isolate in coronavirus hotels on return. People are required to be in quarantine for 14 days, unless they take two coronavirus tests with negative results. Then, they can isolate for only 10 days.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Trump pardons former campaign chairman Manafort, associate Roger Stone

Manafort was convicted as part of the special counsel probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election .
Trump had earlier commuted the criminal sentence of Stone , who was convicted of lying under oath to lawmakers .
It was the second wave of pardons Trump has issued in two days and came just after Trump arrived in Palm Beach , Florida , for the holiday season .
In total , he issued on Wednesday full pardons to 26 individuals and commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional three people .
Trump 's pardoning of Manafort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bulk of his 7-1/2-year prison term .
Manafort , 70 , was among the first in Trump 's inner circle to face charges brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller as part of his probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
Stone was convicted in November 2019 by a Washington jury of lying under oath to lawmakers also investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election .
Trump commuted his sentence in July , a day before Stone was due to begin serving a term of three years and four months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jared Kushner , was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion , witness tampering and making unlawful campaign donations .
In an unusual twist , the man who prosecuted Charles Kushner was Chris Christie , now the former governor of New Jersey , who also has served as an adviser to Trump .

President Donald Trump has pardoned Charles Kushner, his son-in-law’s father, as part of a spree of pardons — mostly to personal associates — in the final weeks of his presidency.Charles Kushner, whose son Jared is married to Ivanka Trump, went to jail in 2005 for fraud, tax evasion and witness tampering. His crime generated national headlines long before his Trump connection because it included paying a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law.Charles Kushner served 14 months at a minimum-security prison camp in Alabama and 10 months at a halfway house in New Jersey. Jared Kushner, his father-in-law’s closest adviser, never forgave the prosecutor in the case, Chris Christie, who would go on to become New Jersey governor and one of Trump’s most loyal campaigners in 2016. Kushner nixed any role for Christie in the Trump administration.Now, Trump has pardoned Charles Kushner for the crime, citing his record of giving since his release from prison.“Since completing his sentence in 2006, Mr. Kushner has been devoted to important philanthropic organizations and causes, such as Saint Barnabas Medical Center and United Cerebral Palsy,” said the statement released Wednesday night by the White House. “This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushner’s conviction and 2-year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the” Federal Election Commission.The flood of pardons, issued Tuesday and Wednesday, is packed with figures who are close to Trump, including several who were convicted of crimes related to the federal probe into Russian interference on Trump’s behalf in the 2016 election. Historians say no president has pardoned more associates than Trump.The details of Charles Kushner’s crimes are memorable. A one-time major Democratic donor and macher in Orthodox Jewish and federation fundraising circles, he set up his sister Esther’s husband, Bill Schulder, with a woman who seduced Schulder at his favorite diner, Time to Eat in Bridgewater, New Jersey.The woman lured Schulder to her hotel room and secretly filmed the encounter. Charles Kushner, incensed that his brother-in-law was testifying against him in a tax evasion case, mailed the videotape anonymously, and his sister Esther immediately understood it as a warning not to testify. The Schulders received the tape as they were getting ready for their son’s engagement party.One odd twist to the Kushner pardon is whom Trump cites as recommending it. Such citations often include prosecutors or judges involved in the trial or victims of the crime who say the miscreant has redeemed himself, or figures with expertise in the area.Recommending Kushner for a pardon are Matt Schlapp, one of Trump’s most fervent defenders and the chairman of the American Conservative Union; David Safavian, a deputy director for the American Conservative Union whom Trump pardoned for perjury in February; and Brett Tolman, a former federal prosecutor in Utah.The Kushner pardon came in a batch that also include Roger Stone and Paul Manafort, Trump associates who declined to participate in federal inquiries into the Trump campaign’s dealings with Russian officials.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Moderna expects its COVID-19 vaccine to protect against UK variant

The company said it plans to run tests to confirm the vaccine 's activity against any strain .
Moderna 's @ @ @ @ @ government 's plan to place huge swathes of England under its strictest COVID-19 restrictions as @ @ @ @ @ sweeps the country .
The company said it expects its vaccine , which was recently @ @ @ @ @ authorization , to be protective against the UK variant based on data to date .
@ @ @ @ @ sera from animals and humans vaccinated with the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine against a number of @ @ @ @ @ virus that have emerged since the first outbreak of the pandemic and found our vaccine @ @ @ @ @ '' Moderna said .
( http : //bit.ly/3pi3kqi )

Moderna Inc said on Wednesday it expects that the immunity induced by its COVID-19 vaccine would be protective against the coronavirus variants reported in the UK.
The company said it plans to run tests to confirm the vaccine's activity against any strain.
Moderna's comments came amid the British government's plan to place huge swathes of England under its strictest COVID-19 restrictions as a highly infectious virus variant sweeps the country.
The company said it expects its vaccine, which was recently granted the U.S. emergency use authorization, to be protective against the UK variant based on data to date.
"We have already tested sera from animals and humans vaccinated with the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine against a number of previous variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that have emerged since the first outbreak of the pandemic and found our vaccine to remain equally effective," Moderna said. (http://bit.ly/3pi3kqi)
The U.S.-based company said it would be performing additional tests of the vaccine in the coming weeks to confirm its expectation.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Trump vetoes major defense bill, despite strong backing in Congress

Trump said he vetoed the annual National Defense Authorization Act , or NDAA , because it `` fails to include @ @ @ @ @ includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military 's history , and @ @ @ @ @ to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ to China and Russia , '' he said in a message to the House of @ @

US President Donald Trump vetoed a $740 billion bill setting policy for the Department of Defense on Wednesday, despite its strong support in Congress, raising the possibility that the measure will fail to become law for the first time in 60 years.
Trump said he vetoed the annual National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, because it "fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military's history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions."
"It is a 'gift' to China and Russia," he said in a message to the House of Representatives.
Although his previous eight vetoes were all upheld thanks to support from Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, advisers said this one looked likely to be overridden, just weeks before he leaves office on Jan. 20.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Baltimore building explosion injures 23, traps window washers

An explosion shook a mostly empty downtown Baltimore office building on Wednesday, injuring 23 people, at least nine of them critically, and leaving two window washers dangling from a scaffold outside the structure, authorities said.Of the 23 people rescued from the Baltimore Gas and Electric Co building after the explosion and partial collapse of its roof, 21 were taken to area hospitals, and two declined additional treatment, the Baltimore City Fire Department said.Nine of the injured were in critical condition and one was in serious condition, the fire department said in a statement.The window washers were rescued after dangling several stories high when their scaffold partially gave way, the local firefighters' union said.Firefighters quickly extinguished a blaze on the 16th floor where evidence suggested the explosion occurred, Local 734 of the International Association of Fire Fighters said in a statement.The fire department said it was investigating the cause of the blast and fire, but Baltimore Gas and Electric said construction work being done on the building’s air handling and boiler system "likely caused the incident.""The building was largely empty due to the upcoming holidays and the pandemic," said the company, which is owned by Exelon Corp.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Top US officials discuss 'options' to protect Americans in Iraq from Iran

Top US national security officials met at the White House on Wednesday and agreed on a proposed range of options to deter any attack on US military or diplomatic personnel in Iraq, a senior administration official told Reuters.The official said the so-called principals committee group of officials, including acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser Robert O'Brien, discussed the situation at the White House.They agreed on a "range of options" that will be presented soon to US President Donald Trump, the official said.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Likud MK Ze'ev Elkin to join Gideon Sa'ars party

`` At the moment of truth , when we needed him most , he simply was n't there , '' @ @ @ @ @ `` We need to thank for his years of service , but we need to @ @ @ @ @ announcing his candidacy , Bennett said `` The time has come for change , Israel @ @ @ @ @ , I am running for prime minister to finally bring that change , so Israel @ @ @ @ @ its citizens and not itself . ''
Painting himself as Netanyahu 's natural successor , @ @ @ @ @ the spirit of Entebbe , '' the city in Uganda , where Netanyahu 's brother @ @ @ @ @ an operation freeing hostages .
The Likud responded that Bennett 's speech was `` confused @ @ @ @ @ Elkin was joining Sa'ar only because he had not entered the top ten in Likud @ @ @ @ @ ministerial appointment he wanted from Netanyahu .

"At the moment of truth, when we needed him most, he simply wasn't there," Bennett said of Netanyahu. "We need to thank for his years of service, but we need to move on."
In announcing his candidacy, Bennett said "The time has come for change, Israel needs new leadership. Therefore, I am running for prime minister to finally bring that change, so Israel will have leadership that sees its citizens and not itself."
Painting himself as Netanyahu's natural successor, Bennett said he had "the spirit of Entebbe," the city in Uganda, where Netanyahu's brother, Yoni, died in an operation freeing hostages.
The Likud responded that Bennett's speech was "confused and annoying" and that Elkin was joining Sa'ar only because he had not entered the top ten in Likud and had not received the ministerial appointment he wanted from Netanyahu.
Yamina leader Naftali Bennett slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday night and, for the first time in his political career, announced that he is running to become Israel's next prime minister.In a long speech at the Knesset, Bennett attacked the prime minister's management of the crisis caused by the novel coronavirus and said that while Netanyahu deserves Israel's thanks for his past actions, his time has come to step down.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Russia says Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine approved for use in Argentina

Russia's sovereign wealth fund said on Wednesday that the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, which it markets abroad, has been approved for use by Argentina's regulators."Argentina was the first country in Latin America to officially register Sputnik V," the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said in a statement."The vaccine was registered under the emergency use authorization procedure and was approved by the regulator, ANMAT, based on the results of Phase III clinical trials in Russia, without additional trials in Argentina," it said.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Britain reports record 39,237 new COVID-19 infections, 744 deaths

Britain reported a record 39,237 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday and a further 744 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.On Tuesday, Britain announced 36,804 new COVID-19 infections and 691 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--NYC to enforce quarantine order for UK travelers with home visits -mayor

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday said members of the city Sheriff's office would start paying home visits to enforce a quarantine order for travelers from the United Kingdom in an effort to stop the spread of a new COVID-19 variant found in that country.De Blasio said that all international travelers to New York City would start receiving a Department of Health Commissioner's order to quarantine, delivered via certified mail, and travelers could face a $1000 fine per day for violating the rules.The city Sheriff's office will check on travelers from the UK at their homes or hotels to ensure compliance, de Blasio said, taking extra precaution out of concern that those travelers could bring a new, highly transmissible variant of the virus to New York."We're going to provide them with that commissioner's order, but then there's going to be a follow up, direct home visit or hotel visit from the sheriff's deputy to confirm that they are following the quarantine," de Blasio said.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Education Minister Yoav Gallant goes into quarantine

Education Minister Yoav Gallant will go into isolation after being exposed on Monday to a verified coronavirus patient, along with other employees in his office.Gallant, who received his first dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine on Sunday, said he was feeling well and had no symptoms.The minister announced his need to quarantine during a virtual Coronavirus Cabinet meeting to discuss new restrictions that will likely be imposed on the public to curb the surge in coronavirus cases.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--UK discovers two cases of new corona variant - Health Secretary

The United Kingdom has discovered two cases of another new variant of coronavirus, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced Wednesday.Speaking at a press conference to announce the latest regional restrictions, Hancock said, ""We are incredibly grateful to the South African government for their science."This virus is yet more transmissible and appears to have mutated further than the new virus."Hancock said anyone who had been in South Africa in the past two weeks must enter quarantine, along with their close contacts. Restrictions will be placed on travel from South Africa to the UK.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--All Israelis arriving from abroad to enter corona hotel starting 10 p.m.

Starting Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. every passenger entering Israel will be required to enter quarantine in designated hotels, regardless of the country of arrival, a Health Ministry statement read.The Ben-Gurion Airport will house a committee that will examine and allow exceptions to the rule. Elderly citizens, minors who traveled alone, pregnant women and people who require special treatment will be allowed to enter quarantine at home.


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Judge denies Yair Netanyahu's appeal to throw out defamation lawsuit

The Herzliya Magistrate 's Court denied an appeal from Yair Netanyahu , son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , to @ @ @ @ @ filed against him by 74 Wexner Foundation graduates in September , including several professors and @ @ @ @ @ a long campaign of offensive tweets posted by Netanyahu on Twitter .
Judge Gilad Hess @ @ @ @ @ a statement of defense , saying that the allegations will be examined in court .
@ @ @ @ @ the plaintiffs are , or were , senior public servants who studied at Harvard University @ @ @ @ @ scholarship from the foundation .
According to the plaintiffs , Netanyahu published `` non-coincidental publications @ @ @ @ @ , and to establish in the public consciousness the graduates of the foundation as 'cult @ @ @ @ @ people who are unfit for public service and as people who are plotting to bring @ @ @ @ @ ''

The Herzliya Magistrate's Court denied an appeal from Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to dismiss outright a defamation lawsuit filed against him by 74 Wexner Foundation graduates in September, including several professors and former officials, due to a long campaign of offensive tweets posted by Netanyahu on Twitter.
Judge Gilad Hess ordered Yair Netanyahu to file a statement of defense, saying that the allegations will be examined in court. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs are, or were, senior public servants who studied at Harvard University with the help of a scholarship from the foundation.
According to the plaintiffs, Netanyahu published "non-coincidental publications intended to advance his interests, and to establish in the public consciousness the graduates of the foundation as 'cult members,' as evil people who are unfit for public service and as people who are plotting to bring about a government coup."


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Health Min. launches info campaign for haredi sector: 'Stopping on Red'

The Health Ministry's coronavirus information center for the ultra-Orthodox (haredi) community in Israel on Wednesday announced the beginning of an information campaign called "Stopping on Red."The campaign will focus on haredi media outlets."There's no room for complacence and for 'discounts' in maintaining the guidelines," a statement by the coronavirus information center in the haredi sector stated."We call on all residents in areas with high morbidity rates to come and get tested in order to stop the spread of the virus."


jerusalempost--2020-12-23--Ronen Manelis resigns as director-general of Strategic Affairs Ministry

Manelis announced the resignation on Twitter , posting a letter he sent to Strategic Affairs Minister Michael Biton in which @ @ @ @ @ previous minister , who served until about a month ago , Orit Farkash-Hacohen .

Manelis announced the resignation on Twitter, posting a letter he sent to Strategic Affairs Minister Michael Biton in which he thanked him and the previous minister, who served until about a month ago, Orit Farkash-Hacohen.
Brig.-Gen. Ronen Manelis, director-general of Israel's Strategic Affairs Ministry, resigned on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Sara Netanyahu gets vaccinated for coronavirus in Jerusalem

Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, received her first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on Thursday afternoon in her local Meuhedet Health Fund in Jerusalem.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Denmark finds 33 cases of new variant of coronavirus

Denmark has identified 33 infections with the new variant of the coronavirus that has been spreading rapidly in parts of Britain, according to authorities.The State Serum Institute (SSI), Denmark's infectious disease authority, said in a report published on Wednesday that the cases had been found in COVID-19 tests carried out between Nov. 14 and Dec. 14.Denmark, an international leader in genome sequencing, has so far analyzed genetic material from 7,805 positive tests in that period, meaning the variant was found in about 0.4% of the infections.Since just 13.5% of all the positive tests in the period have been analyzed so far, the SSI said that variant percentage could change."The latest sequencing results indicate that there is societal infection in Denmark with the new English virus variant, albeit at a very low level," the SSI said.Denmark, like several other countries, has suspended flights from Britain, where the new variant of the virus - thought to be more transmissible than others circulating - has spread quickly in southern England, including London.Preliminary information did not suggest the 33 people who contracted the variant had any connection to England or had been traveling in other countries, the SSI said.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Ronen Plot appointed interim chair of Yad Vashem

Eitam is a retired IDF brigadier-general and government minister .
Higher Education Minister Ze ’ ev Elkin , who stepped down from the Knesset on Wednesday to join Gideon Sa ’ ar ’ s new party , originally nominated Eitam to serve as the new chairman of Yad Vashem , despite extreme comments he has made in the past about Palestinians and Israeli Arabs , as well as allegations that he authorized brutality against Palestinians while serving as a senior military officer .
In 2006 , at a memorial event for a soldier killed in the First Lebanon War , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ expel the large majority of Arabs of Judea and Samaria ; [ things are ] impossible with all these Arabs here , and we can not give up on the territory.
” Eitam ’ s candidacy was met with fierce opposition from Jewish leaders across the Diaspora as well as Israeli politicians .
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz said that he would not support the nomination in a cabinet vote .
A petition against Eitam ’ s appointment was initiated by dozens of international historians , academics , museum curators and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scholar and author Prof. Deborah Lipstadt .
Plot ’ s appointment is temporary and he will continue to serve as mayor of Nof Hagalil – former known as Nazareth Illit – concurrently with the chairmanship of Yad Vashem .
A permanent chairman will be appointed following the establishment of a new government .
Outgoing chairman Avner Shalev expressed his willingness to assist Plot to the full extent necessary during the period of his service as acting chairman .
“ I extend my warm appreciation to Ronen Plot for his consent to take this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and wish him much success , ” Shalev said .

Ronen Plot, mayor of the northern town of Nof Hagalil, has been selected to serve as the interim chairman of the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum, ending weeks of controversy that had roiled Israeli supporters across the world.The decision, approved by the Yad Vashem Board on Tuesday, came after weeks of controversy due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to appoint former IDF general Effi Eitam to the role. Plot previously served as director-general of the Knesset.Eitam is a retired IDF brigadier-general and government minister. Higher Education Minister Ze’ev Elkin, who stepped down from the Knesset on Wednesday to join Gideon Sa’ar’s new party, originally nominated Eitam to serve as the new chairman of Yad Vashem, despite extreme comments he has made in the past about Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, as well as allegations that he authorized brutality against Palestinians while serving as a senior military officer.In 2006, at a memorial event for a soldier killed in the First Lebanon War, Eitam said that Israel would need to “expel the large majority of Arabs of Judea and Samaria; [things are] impossible with all these Arabs here, and we cannot give up on the territory.”Eitam’s candidacy was met with fierce opposition from Jewish leaders across the Diaspora as well as Israeli politicians. Blue and White leader Benny Gantz said that he would not support the nomination in a cabinet vote.A petition against Eitam’s appointment was initiated by dozens of international historians, academics, museum curators and other public figures, including the renowned scholar and author Prof. Deborah Lipstadt.Plot’s appointment is temporary and he will continue to serve as mayor of Nof Hagalil – formerly known as Nazareth Illit – concurrently with the chairmanship of Yad Vashem. A permanent chairman will be appointed following the establishment of a new government.Outgoing chairman Avner Shalev expressed his willingness to assist Plot to the full extent necessary during the period of his service as acting chairman. “I extend my warm appreciation to Ronen Plot for his consent to take this responsibility upon himself, as a volunteer, and wish him much success,” Shalev said.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--At least 20 die as migrant boat sinks off Tunisia

At least 20 African migrants died when their boat sank off Tunisia on Thursday as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to the Italian island of Lampedusa, a Tunisian security official said.The coastguard rescued five people and was searching for about 20 others who were still unaccounted for, the official told Reuters.The coastline near the Tunisian port city of Sfax has become a major departure point for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East and searching for a better life in Europe."The boat sank about six miles from the coast of Sfax. Twenty bodies were recovered, five others were rescued, and all are from sub-Saharan Africa," the security official, Ali Ayari, said.Around 45 people were on the boat when it sank, he added.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--French medical regulator approves COVID-19 vaccine

`` The vaccine can be used for people aged 16 and over , including elderly , '' the regulator says @ @ @ @ @ gearing up for a vaccination campaign of unprecedented scale following regulatory approval for the shot @ @ @ @ @ its vaccination program on Dec. 27 .

French medical regulator HAS said on Thursday it had approved the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech for France's vaccination rollout, after the European Medicines Agency gave its go-ahead on Monday.
"The vaccine can be used for people aged 16 and over, including elderly," the regulator says.
The European Union is gearing up for a vaccination campaign of unprecedented scale following regulatory approval for the shot. France plans to start its vaccination program on Dec. 27.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--France's Macron showing no more COVID-19 symptoms, Elysee says

French President Emmanuel Macron is showing no more symptoms of COVID-19, the Elysee office said on Thursday.Macron, 43, can now end his quarantine after he self-isolated for seven days at the presidential retreat of La Lanterne, close to the Palace of Versailles, the office said in a statement.He had tested positive for the coronavirus on Dec. 17, prompting a track-and-trace effort across Europe following numerous meetings between the French leader and EU heads of government in recent days.Macron suffered headaches, a dry cough and tiredness for several days and his health condition improved on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Kremlin says new US sanctions could complicate Nord Stream 2's completion

Senior Trump administration officials said on Wednesday that Washington was urging European allies and private companies to halt work that @ @ @ @ @ and was preparing wider sanctions on the Russian project in coming weeks.The Nord Stream 2 @ @ @ @ @ German zone of the Baltic Sea this month and is expected to start work in @ @ @ @ @ .

The Kremlin said on Thursday that new U.S. sanctions targeting Nord Stream 2 could complicate the completion of the stalled Russian gas pipeline to Germany, but that Moscow and European nations had an interest in it being built.
Senior Trump administration officials said on Wednesday that Washington was urging European allies and private companies to halt work that could help build the pipeline and was preparing wider sanctions on the Russian project in coming weeks.
The Nord Stream 2 resumed laying pipes in the German zone of the Baltic Sea this month and is expected to start work in Danish waters from Jan 15.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Settlers attack houses in Kfar Jalud, throw stones, Palestinians claim

Palestinians claim that settlers throughout the night attacked houses in Kfar Julod and threw stones at cars on Route 60, according to N12.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Shelah to hold press conference on Thursday

Yesh Atid MK Ofer Shelah will hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon.KAN speculated on Thursday morning that Blue-and-White MK Avi Nissenkorn and current Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai might join as well.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--China to suspend UK flights indefinitely - foreign ministry

China will suspend direct flights to and from the United Kingdom indefinitely over fears of a new strain of the coronavirus, Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday."After much consideration, China has decided to take reference from other countries and suspend flights to and from UK," Wang told reporters at a daily briefing."China will closely monitor relevant developments and dynamically adjust control measures depending on the situation," Wang said.Countries across the globe are shutting their borders to Britain after the emergence of a highly infectious new coronavirus strain.There are currently eight weekly flights between mainland China and the United Kingdom, according to aviation data provider Variflight, including one each by Air China , China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines.British Airways operates two flights a week from London to Shanghai.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Russia reports record COVID-19 cases and deaths

Russia reported a record one-day tally of 29,935 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday as well as 635 deaths from the virus, the most confirmed in a single 24 hour period since the pandemic began.Authorities have so far reported a total 2,963,688 cases and an official death toll of 53,096.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--David Bitan's health improves after COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization

Likud MK David Bitan's health has improved, according to a post on his Twitter page on Thursday.Earlier in December, Bitan was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 and experiencing shortness of breath as a result. Bitan is still hospitalized and connected to an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).
ממשפחתו של ח"כ דוד חי ביטן נמסר כי הבוקר חל שיפור קל במצבו. הוא מתקשר עם סביבתו,עדיין מחובר למכשיר האקמו אך יש מגמת שיפור ואנחנו ממשיכים להתפלל שימשיך להשתפר בימים הקרובים.המשפחה מבקשת להודות לכולם על התפילות ואיחולי ההחלמה הרבים,נמשיך להתפלל לרפואתו השלמה של דוד חי בן מרגלית. — דוד ביטן (@davidbitan) December 24, 2020


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Ethiopia's PM says forces have been sent into Benishangul-Gumuz region

On Wednesday , the state-run Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said gunmen had killed over 100 people in a dawn attack @ @ @ @ @ in Bulen county in the Metekel zone , an area where numerous ethnic groups live @

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Thursday he had deployed forces to the western Benishangul-Gumuz region, a day after gunmen killed more than 100 people in the area, which has seen regular ethnic violence.
On Wednesday, the state-run Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said gunmen had killed over 100 people in a dawn attack in the village of Bekoji in Bulen county in the Metekel zone, an area where numerous ethnic groups live.
"The massacre of civilians in Benishangul-Gumuz region is very tragic," Abiy said on Twitter. "The government, to solve the root causes of the problem, has deployed a necessary force."


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Father accused of sexual misconduct toward four-year-old daughter

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A 37-year-old father was arrested on Wednesday after being accused of sexual misconduct toward his four-year-old daughter.The police have asked the court to extend his arrest, Maariv, the sister publication of The Jerusalem Post, reported.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Iran FM dismisses Trump's tweet Tehran behind attack on US Embassy in Baghdad

Iran’s foreign minister on Thursday dismissed US President Donald Trump’s allegations that Iran was behind the recent rocket attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad.“Putting your own citizens at risk abroad won't divert attention from catastrophic failures at home,” Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.Trump, without giving evidence, said on Twitter on Wednesday that the rockets that landed in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone on Sunday, in an attack targeting the US Embassy, were from Iran and “we hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq.”“Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over,” Trump said.The Iraqi military blamed the attack, which caused some minor damage, on an “outlaw group.”Top US national security officials agreed on Wednesday on a proposed range of options to present to Trump aimed at deterring any attack on US military or diplomatic personnel in Iraq, a senior administration official told Reuters without describing the content of the options or say whether they included military action


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--28 suspects arrested for disturbing peace at police HQ protest

Some 28 people were stopped for questioning about disturbing the peace during demonstrations in which dozens of protestors clashed with police at the national headquarters of the Israel Police in Jerusalem on Wednesday night.Two police officers were lightly wounded and five police cars were damaged during clashes with the protestors.The demonstrators were largely made up of members of the Hilltop Youth, an extreme national-religious youth movement known for establishing outposts in the West Bank. They were protesting police mismanagement after one member of the youth movement died while being chased down by police.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Deni Avdija scores 7 points in first NBA game, Wizards lose

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (9) at Barclays Center. (Wendell Cruz - USA Today Sports)
WASHINGTON – Deni Avdija made his debut at the NBA on Wednesday night, as the Washington Wizards played against the Philadelphia 76ers in their first game of the regular season, following the shortest ever offseason period. The game was held without an audience due to COVID-19 restriction.The 19-year-old Israeli was included in Washington’s starting lineup and made his first shot attempt, nailing a three-pointer at the seven-minute mark of the first quarter.The Wizards led by as many 12 points, thanks to a strong third quarter, but came up short and lost 113-107, as Joel Embid dominated the paint in the last quarter and ended with 29 and 14 rebounds overall. It was the Wizards' eight straight loss in Philadelphia.The Israeli rookie, who was selected last month at ninth overall in the NBA draft , scored seven points (2-of-2 from three-point range and 1-of-2 from the foul-line) and collected four rebounds in 28 minutes, including an impressive assist to Bradley Beal. He also demonstrated good decision making on the defensive side. Avdija also added three turnovers and his team was a +14 with him on the floor.Asked whether he should have to try to take more shots, Avdija said at the post-game press conference: "It's the first game, and everybody's excited. I just took a shot when I had the opportunity; I'm not forcing anything. I'm going to be patient, it's only the first game, and of course, throughout the season, we're going to get better."Russell Westbrook was the first Wizards player to reach a triple-double in his debut, clinching the 147th of his career before the end third quarter. The All-Star ended the game with 21 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds. Bradley Beal scored 31 points in 35 minutes.On his relationship with Westbrook, Avdija said, "We have a great relationship. Russell is great, and he’s really trying to help me and guide me both on and off of the court. He’s great to play with on the court and his mental side of the game is really amazing we are very similar in that light."
The Wizards' head coach, Scott Brooks, flattered Avdija at a press conference. "I thought he was fantastic," he said. I know he's only 19 years old but he plays with a passion, plays with a determination that I like."I've been there a long, long time ago – that first game. No matter what he told me, I know there's some butterflies, and those are good," Brooks added. "He cares. He's passionate. He wants to do well. I thought he played well. Can he get some more opportunities offensively? I think that's all going to come around. We're going to have to learn what he can do better as the season goes on.”"He's going to learn how we do things, but it's all a growing period," Brooks continued. "I thought he makes winning basketball plays. And, and right now, that's all I care about. You make winning basketball plays in the offense, and the game will reward you. And that's what he does. That's what he's about. That's one of the main things I've noticed from being around him for three weeks. That he cares about winning basketball plays.”


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--US cyber agency says SolarWinds hackers are 'impacting' state, local gov't

The hacking campaign , which used U.S. tech company SolarWinds as a springboard to penetrate federal government networks , was @ @ @ @ @ federal , state , and local governments , as well as critical infrastructure entities and @ @ @ @ @ '' the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ( CISA ) said in a statement on @ @ @ @ @ said last week that U.S. government agencies and critical infrastructure entities were among those affected @ @ @ @ @ mention state or local bodies .

The U.S. cybersecurity agency said on Wednesday that a sprawling cyber espionage campaign made public earlier this month is "impacting" state and local governments.
The hacking campaign, which used U.S. tech company SolarWinds as a springboard to penetrate federal government networks, was "impacting enterprise networks across federal, state, and local governments, as well as critical infrastructure entities and other private sector organizations," the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in a statement on its website.
The CISA said last week that U.S. government agencies and critical infrastructure entities were among those affected, but did not specifically mention state or local bodies.
CISA did not immediately return an email seeking additional detail on the notice.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes south of Philippines' Luzon island

The quake occurred at a depth of 144 km ( 89 miles ) , EMSC said .
The temblor , @ @ @ @ @ the capital region , also registered at magnitude 6.3 at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology @ @ @ @ @ .
The centre was traced at Calatagan in Batangas province , according to an initial @ @ @ @ @ said it did not expect damage but warned of aftershocks .

An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck the Mindoro region of the Philippines, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said on Friday.
The quake occurred at a depth of 144 km (89 miles), EMSC said.
The temblor, which was also felt in the capital region, also registered at magnitude 6.3 at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The centre was traced at Calatagan in Batangas province, according to an initial report from Phivolcs, which said it did not expect damage but warned of aftershocks.
It issued no tsunami warning.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Eilat and Dead Sea hotels to no longer be considered 'green islands'

People who had booked a vacation in Eilat or the Dead Sea will be able to receive compensations according to @ @ @ @ @ that they booked .

People who had booked a vacation in Eilat or the Dead Sea will be able to receive compensations according to the policy of the resort that they booked.
The coronavirus cabinet officially approved on Thursday that Eilat and the Dead Sea hotels will no longer be considered "green islands" starting Monday, Israeli media reported.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Latest on worldwide spread of the coronavirus

* A new variant of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that has been spreading rapidly in Britain has been found in Germany for the first time , the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg said .
* Turkey will sign an agreement with Pfizer and BioNTech for 4.5 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to be delivered by the end of March , Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said .
* French President Emmanuel Macron is showing no more symptoms of COVID-19 , the Elysee office said .
* Denmark has identified 33 infections with the new variant of the coronavirus that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ * Prime Minister Ana Brnabic received Serbia 's first COVID-19 vaccine shot , kicking off a mass inoculation drive with doses developed by Pfizer and BioNTech .
* US lawmakers blocked attempts to alter a $ 2.3 trillion coronavirus aid and government spending package , rejecting President Donald Trump 's demand for extensive changes and leaving benefits for millions of Americans at risk .
* US states , facing a backlog in administering coronavirus vaccines , are asking medical and nursing students , and even firefighters , to help give the shots and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic at overcrowded hospitals .
* Mexico inoculated its first person against COVID-19 to kick off a fightback from a pandemic that has killed 120,000 people in the country and battered the economy , celebrating a Christmas roll-out that also began elsewhere in Latin America .
* China will suspend direct flights to and from Britain indefinitely over fears of a new strain of the coronavirus , Wang Wenbin , a foreign ministry spokesman said .
* Indonesia has banned travelers from Britain and tightened the rules for those arriving from Europe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new coronavirus variant .
* China 's capital Beijing on Thursday issued a series of coronavirus-related advisories ahead of the peak travel season from New Year 's Day to the Chinese Lunar New Year in February , but it stopped short of imposing draconian restrictions .
* Another new variant of the novel coronavirus seems to have emerged in Nigeria , the head of Africa 's disease control body said , cautioning more investigation was needed .
* Israel will impose a third national lockdown to fight surging COVID-19 infections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country pursues a vaccination campaign .
* A COVID-19 vaccine developed by China 's Sinovac Biotech is 91.25 % effective , according to interim data from a late-stage trial in Turkey , a potentially much better result than reported from a separate trial of the vaccine in Brazil .
* Worries over a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic and upcoming U.S. Senate runoffs in Georgia are clouding the outlook for what has historically been a seasonally strong period for equities .

More than 600,000 people in the United Kingdom have received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine since inoculations began in the country earlier this month, the British government said on Thursday.
EUROPE
* A new variant of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that has been spreading rapidly in Britain has been found in Germany for the first time, the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg said.
* Turkey will sign an agreement with Pfizer and BioNTech for 4.5 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to be delivered by the end of March, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said.
* French President Emmanuel Macron is showing no more symptoms of COVID-19, the Elysee office said.
* Denmark has identified 33 infections with the new variant of the coronavirus that has been spreading rapidly in parts of Britain.
* Prime Minister Ana Brnabic received Serbia's first COVID-19 vaccine shot, kicking off a mass inoculation drive with doses developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.
AMERICAS
* US lawmakers blocked attempts to alter a $2.3 trillion coronavirus aid and government spending package, rejecting President Donald Trump's demand for extensive changes and leaving benefits for millions of Americans at risk.
* US states, facing a backlog in administering coronavirus vaccines, are asking medical and nursing students, and even firefighters, to help give the shots and free up healthcare workers battling a raging pandemic at overcrowded hospitals.
* Mexico inoculated its first person against COVID-19 to kick off a fightback from a pandemic that has killed 120,000 people in the country and battered the economy, celebrating a Christmas roll-out that also began elsewhere in Latin America.
ASIA-PACIFIC
* China will suspend direct flights to and from Britain indefinitely over fears of a new strain of the coronavirus, Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman said.
* Indonesia has banned travelers from Britain and tightened the rules for those arriving from Europe and Australia to try to limit the spread of a new coronavirus variant.
* China's capital Beijing on Thursday issued a series of coronavirus-related advisories ahead of the peak travel season from New Year's Day to the Chinese Lunar New Year in February, but it stopped short of imposing draconian restrictions.
MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
* Another new variant of the novel coronavirus seems to have emerged in Nigeria, the head of Africa's disease control body said, cautioning more investigation was needed.
* Israel will impose a third national lockdown to fight surging COVID-19 infections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, as the country pursues a vaccination campaign.
MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS
* A COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech is 91.25% effective, according to interim data from a late-stage trial in Turkey, a potentially much better result than reported from a separate trial of the vaccine in Brazil.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
* Worries over a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic and upcoming U.S. Senate runoffs in Georgia are clouding the outlook for what has historically been a seasonally strong period for equities.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Coronavirus in Israel: 3,340 new cases, death toll rises by 22 to 3,170

Israel 's Health Ministry reported on Thursday night that 3,340 new coronavirus cases were diagnosed in the country on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ 31,716 active cases , with a testing positivity rate of 3.8 % .
526 patients @ @ @ @ @ serious condition , 122 of whom are intubated .
Israel 's coronavirus death toll rose @ @ @ @ @ to 3,170 .

Israel's Health Ministry reported on Thursday night that 3,340 new coronavirus cases were diagnosed in the country on Wednesday. The country currently has 31,716 active cases, with a testing positivity rate of 3.8%.
526 patients are classified as being in serious condition, 122 of whom are intubated. Israel's coronavirus death toll rose by 22 on Wednesday, to 3,170.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--United Airlines to require negative COVID-19 tests for travel from Britain

United Airlines said on Thursday that passengers on its flights from London Heathrow to the United States must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure beginning Dec. 28.United currently flies from London to Chicago, Newark, Washington Dulles and San Francisco.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Suspected Russian hackers tried to access CrowdStrike's email

The suspected Russian agents behind the biggest breach of US government agencies in years leveraged access to a Microsoft cloud services reseller in a failed attempt to hack CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity firm said on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Hermon Mountain ski resort puts all workers on unpaid leave

The Hermon mountain ski resort placed all of its workers on unpaid leave on Thursday, Kan reported. The only skiing option within Israel, the attraction hosts up to 12,000 people each day during winter time.The Hermon skiing attraction CEO Refael Nave said that the government hasn't responded to the COVID-19 outlay meant to assure the site could be opened this winter.This refusal "places a deep shadow of doubt over the site opening this year," he said.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Arkia to carry out flights to Eilat during lockdown

Israeli airline Arkia airline operate flights to the southern city of Eilat during the lockdown period, expected to begin on Sunday, despite the city no longer being a 'green island', N12 reported on Thursday.The airline reported it would operate two such flights - a morning one and an evening one.The green island' policy excluded Eilat and the Dead Sea from certain coronavirus restrictions.The policy has been halted due to the new lockdown which is meant to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Technical glitch causes delay in Health Ministry infection updates

Due to an increase in the number of coronavirus tests being administered all across Israel , thousands of test results @ @ @ @ @ Ynet reported on Thursday afternoon .
The backlog is the result of a technical glitch @ @ @ @ @ and has yet to be resolved .
As a result of the delay , the @ @ @ @ @ delayed .
The Health Ministry stated that `` the number of tests reached about 90,000 @ @ @ @ @ result , a backlog of results built up in the computer system and gaps were @ @ @ @ @ during the day . ''
As of this moment , the latest update of infection @ @ @ @ @ website was reported on Wednesday at 10 pm .

Due to an increase in the number of coronavirus tests being administered all across Israel, thousands of test results are currently being delayed, Ynet reported on Thursday afternoon.
The backlog is the result of a technical glitch that started earlier this week and has yet to be resolved. As a result of the delay, the release from isolation is also delayed.
The Health Ministry stated that "the number of tests reached about 90,000 a day. As a result, a backlog of results built up in the computer system and gaps were created that will be completed during the day."
As of this moment, the latest update of infection numbers on the Health Ministry website was reported on Wednesday at 10 pm.


jerusalempost--2020-12-24--Police officers questioned after hill-youth's death

Police officers involved in the Tuesday incident during which Ahuvia Sandak was killed when his car flipped were questioned on Thursday, Kan reported.The officers were called to the scene after getting reports Sandak, and others in the car, were throwing rocks at Palestinian cars driving on the West Bank road.Sandak, police claimed, attempted to flee from the officers and during the chase lost control of the car. The other four passengers were injured in the incident.The four passengers argued that police allegedly caused the car to flip when they rammed into the car.MK Betzalel Smotrich was prevented by officers at the scene from examining it. Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin slammed police for physically removing a member of the Knesset, allegedly not honoring his immunity as an MK, and called on police to question the issue.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Russia jails historian for 12.5 years for grisly murder of student lover

Oleg Sokolov , 64 , a former history professor at St Petersburg State University , was found in a river @ @ @ @ @ a rucksack containing the severed arms of Anastasia Yeshchenko , a 24-year-old postgraduate .
He @ @ @ @ @ .

Oleg Sokolov, 64, a former history professor at St Petersburg State University, was found in a river in November last year with a rucksack containing the severed arms of Anastasia Yeshchenko, a 24-year-old postgraduate.
He pleaded guilty to her murder.
A Russian court sentenced a distinguished historian known for re-enacting Napoleonic battle scenes to 12.5 years in jail on Friday after convicting him of the murder of his young student lover, whom he dismembered.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Egypt empties its embassy building in Gaza City - report

A delegation from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry emptied the Egyptian embassy building in the Gaza Strip in the past week @ @ @ @ @ Cairo , according to Palestinian media .
The building has been closed for a number @ @ @ @ @ reason for the move this week is still unclear .
The delegation reportedly did not @ @ @ @ @ in the Strip .

A delegation from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry emptied the Egyptian embassy building in the Gaza Strip in the past week and transferred the contents to Cairo, according to Palestinian media.
The building has been closed for a number of years, but the reason for the move this week is still unclear.
The delegation reportedly did not have any other assignments while in the Strip.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Ayoub Kara announces he will return to Knesset

Kara , who was the first Druze minister to hold a portfolio , was set to become an MK again , because he was next on the Likud list following the resignation on Wednesday of Sharren Haskel But he initially said he was not sure whether he would agree to enter the Knesset , because he did not want to lose his job working for a sheikh in Dubai .
In a video he released on Friday , Kara said the sheikh was very happy to help Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
He initially said his decision would also depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next Likud list for Knesset .
He did not get a response to that request , but he said Friday that he decided to return anyway due to the departures from the party , which would help him move up the list , even if there is no primary .
`` After a conversation this morning with Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin and messages from tens of thousands of Likud members , I decided to return to the Knesset and to help Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu win the election , '' Kara said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of MK Ze'ev Elkin on Thursday takes effect on Sunday , he will be replaced in the Knesset by the next name on the Likud list , a female party activist named Matti Yogev .
If anyone else in Likud resigns , the next name on the list is former MK Yehudah Glick .
Glick said he did not believe any other MK in Likud would resign .

Former minister Ayoub Kara agreed to enter the Knesset on Friday after two days of deliberations.
Kara, who was the first Druze minister to hold a portfolio, was set to become an MK again, because he was next on the Likud list following the resignation on Wednesday of Sharren Haskel
But he initially said he was not sure whether he would agree to enter the Knesset, because he did not want to lose his job working for a sheikh in Dubai. In a video he released on Friday, Kara said the sheikh was very happy to help Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He initially said his decision would also depend on whether there would be primaries for the next Likud list for Knesset. He did not get a response to that request, but he said Friday that he decided to return anyway due to the departures from the party, which would help him move up the list, even if there is no primary.
"After a conversation this morning with Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin and messages from tens of thousands of Likud members, I decided to return to the Knesset and to help Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu win the election," Kara said.
When the resignation from the Knesset of MK Ze'ev Elkin on Thursday takes effect on Sunday, he will be replaced in the Knesset by the next name on the Likud list, a female party activist named Matti Yogev.
If anyone else in Likud resigns, the next name on the list is former MK Yehudah Glick.
Glick said he did not believe any other MK in Likud would resign.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Coronavirus in the IDF: 481 infected, 5,636 in quarantine

Some 5,636 soldiers were in quarantine .
In the recovery village in Ashkelon , there were 150 infected soldiers as @ @ @ @ @ , the IDF updated that 21 coronavirus hotels are in operation , with 18 for @ @ @ @ @ patients .
Some 854 infected patients and 2,277 people in quarantine were in coronavirus hotels @ @ @ @ @

Some 5,636 soldiers were in quarantine. In the recovery village in Ashkelon, there were 150 infected soldiers as of Friday morning.
Additionally, the IDF updated that 21 coronavirus hotels are in operation, with 18 for quarantine and three for infected patients. Some 854 infected patients and 2,277 people in quarantine were in coronavirus hotels as of Friday morning.
Some 481 soldiers and workers in the IDF were infected with the novel coronavirus as of Friday morning, with two soldiers in moderate condition.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Hadassah hospital staff attacked by patient

Police arrived at the scene quickly and arrested the assailant , a 20-year-old who had come to the hospital for @ @ @ @ @ investigation .
`` It should be emphasized that we take all incidents of violence of @ @ @ @ @ will not agree to their occurrence in the hospital , '' said the hospital in @ @ @ @ @ Police takes every incident of violence seriously , with an emphasis on violence against public @ @ @ @ @ night for public health these days , and will work to bring the suspects to @ @ @ @ @ police in a statement .

Police arrived at the scene quickly and arrested the assailant, a 20-year-old who had come to the hospital for treatment, and began an investigation.
"It should be emphasized that we take all incidents of violence of any kind very seriously and will not agree to their occurrence in the hospital," said the hospital in a statement.
"Israel Police takes every incident of violence seriously, with an emphasis on violence against public workers who work day and night for public health these days, and will work to bring the suspects to justice," said the police in a statement.
Two workers at the Hadassah-University Medical Center in Ein Karem were attacked and injured by a patient on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Coronavirus: Israel nears 4,000 new daily cases

There were 3,958 people diagnosed with coronavirus on Thursday, the Health Ministry reported early Friday morning - 4.1% of the people screened tested positive.Some 506 people were in serious condition, including 128 who were intubated.The death toll stood at 3,171.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--IDF strikes Gaza in response to earlier rocket attacks

The IDF struck targets belonging to Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Striplate Friday night in response to rockets fired from Gaza into Israeli territory earlier in the night.During the IDF operation, a rocket weapon production site was targeted, in addition to underground infrastructure and a Hamas military post.The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said after the strike that “the IDF condemns any kind of terror attacks against Israel, and it is ready and prepared to act in determinations against attempts to harm Israeli citizens and against Israeli sovereignty.“Hamas is responsible for the actions carried out from and inside the Gaza Strip, and it will bear the consequences for all terror emanating from Gaza against Israeli citizens,” it said.Two Palestinians were reportedly lightly injured as a result of the attack. According to Ynet, a source in Gaza said that shrapnel caused by the bombing hit a hospital for children and a center for disabled persons situated in the coastal enclave.“Attacks by the IDF won’t break the will of the Palestinian people, but strengthen their resolve to insist on their rights,” a Hamas statement released after the attacks read.This came late Friday night after sirens were heard in Ashkelon, and in the Gaza border communities of Mavki’im, Karmiya, Zikim, and Netiv Ha’asara.The IDF confirmed soon after that its Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted two missiles in the sky above Ashkelon.One woman was reportedly taken to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon to be treated for anxiety following the interception.The last rocket attack launched on Israel occurred a month ago on November 21. It was not intercepted by the Iron Dome and instead landed on a factory, causing damage.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--First case of new COVID variant found in France as cases rise

The French health ministry said a Frenchman who recently arrived back in France from London had tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ .
The ministry said the case - the first in France - had been found @ @ @ @ @ .
The man in question arrived from London on Dec. 19 .
He was currently @ @ @ @ @ the ministry added .

France recorded its first case of the new variant of coronavirus, as the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 mounted in the country, increasing concerns of a new wave of the virus hitting the euro zone's second-biggest economy.The French health ministry said a Frenchman who recently arrived back in France from London had tested positive for the new variant of the coronavirus.The ministry said the case - the first in France - had been found in the city of Tours. The man in question arrived from London on Dec. 19. He was currently self-isolating and felt alright, the ministry added.British Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said on Dec. 14 that a spike in COVID cases in the United Kingdom might have been linked to the new variant of the virus in the country.Hancock said more than 1,000 cases of the new variant had been identified, mainly in southeastern England.Countries around the world have in recent days closed their borders to both Britain and South Africa following the identification of cases of the new, fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus in those countries.France registered 20,262 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases and 159 more related deaths in hospitals in the last 24 hours.France's number of confirmed COVID-19 cases now stands at 2,547,771 while its COVID-19 death toll stands at 62,427 - the seventh-highest in the world.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Brazil coronavirus death toll hits 190,000

Brazil registered 22,967 additional cases of the new coronavirus and 482 related deaths in the prior 24 hours, according to data from the country's Health Ministry on Friday.The South American country has now registered 7,448,560 total confirmed coronavirus cases and 190,488 deaths from COVID-19.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Rescue services searching for 4 cyclists missing in West Bank

Emergency services have been searching since noon for four cyclists who have been missing since Friday afternoon in the Judean Desert situated in the West Bank, Walla News reported.More than 40 volunteers from the Megillot rescue unit are participating in the riders' search. The search parties includes a police helicopter and IDF units.The riders were last seen Mar Saba Monastery located in the Judean Desert, after they started their travels earlier in the morning.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Saudi Arabia crown prince receives first COVID-19 vaccine

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as part of a national COVID-19 vaccination plan being implemented by the ministry of health, state news agency SPA reported on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--US will require negative COVID-19 tests for all UK passengers - CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) said in a statement on Thursday that all airline passengers arriving from the UK must test negative in order to fly to the United States .
The decision was a turnaround after the Trump administration told US airlines on Tuesday it was not planning to require any testing for arriving UK passengers .
The CDC said an order would be signed on Friday and is effective Monday .
The decision follows the emergence of a highly infectious new coronavirus variant in Britain that has prompted many countries to shut their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative from the UK 's Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ) said on Friday that they are `` in close contact with the US authorities and are working urgently to minimize disruption as far as possible , '' adding that FCDO will regularly update advice online .
`` British travelers should follow the US authorities ’ guidance , and speak to their airlines for the latest travel options in the first instance . ''
On Thursday , United Airlines and Delta Air Lines said they were requiring all passengers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure .
The CDC said late on Thursday passengers must test negative via either a PCR or Antigen test .
The CDC said `` viruses constantly change through mutation , and preliminary analysis in the UK suggests that this new variant may be up to 70 % more transmissible than previously circulating variants . ''
The CDC noted that in March President Donald Trump suspended entry of nearly all foreign nationals who visited the United Kingdom in the past 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the US from Britain by about 90 % .
Under the new policy , passengers departing from the UK for the United States must provide written documentation of their laboratory test result ( in hard copy or electronic ) to the airline , the CDC said .
Airlines must confirm negative test results for all passengers before they board .
If passengers choose not to take a test , the airline must deny boarding .
Delta 's policy , expanded from its decision on Monday to require the screenings on UK flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is effective Dec. 24 , while United 's requirement begins Dec. 28 .
On Monday , the three airlines that fly from London to JFK Delta , British Airways and Virgin Atlantic - agreed to a request from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that they screen passengers from Britain .
US airlines have already drastically scaled back flying to the United Kingdom , as well as the rest of Europe .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement on Thursday that all airline passengers arriving from the UK must test negative in order to fly to the United States. The decision was a turnaround after the Trump administration told US airlines on Tuesday it was not planning to require any testing for arriving UK passengers.
The CDC said an order would be signed on Friday and is effective Monday.
The decision follows the emergence of a highly infectious new coronavirus variant in Britain that has prompted many countries to shut their borders to travelers from there.
A representative from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Friday that they are "in close contact with the US authorities and are working urgently to minimize disruption as far as possible," adding that FCDO will regularly update advice online.
"British travelers should follow the US authorities’ guidance, and speak to their airlines for the latest travel options in the first instance."
On Thursday, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines said they were requiring all passengers on flights from the United Kingdom to the United States to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.
The CDC said late on Thursday passengers must test negative via either a PCR or Antigen test. The CDC said "viruses constantly change through mutation, and preliminary analysis in the UK suggests that this new variant may be up to 70% more transmissible than previously circulating variants."
The CDC noted that in March President Donald Trump suspended entry of nearly all foreign nationals who visited the United Kingdom in the past 14 days, which has reduced air travel to the US from Britain by about 90%.
Under the new policy, passengers departing from the UK for the United States must provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (in hard copy or electronic) to the airline, the CDC said. Airlines must confirm negative test results for all passengers before they board. If passengers choose not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding.
Delta's policy, expanded from its decision on Monday to require the screenings on UK flights to New York's JFK Airport, is effective Dec. 24, while United's requirement begins Dec. 28.
On Monday, the three airlines that fly from London to JFK Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic - agreed to a request from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that they screen passengers from Britain.
US airlines have already drastically scaled back flying to the United Kingdom, as well as the rest of Europe.
The US government will require all airline passengers arriving from the United Kingdom to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure starting Monday amid concerns about a new coronavirus variant that may be more transmissible.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Coronavirus in Israel: Over 4,000 new daily cases, 4% positivity rate

Israel's Health Ministry reported on Friday afternoon that the country successfully processed over 100 thousand coronavirus tests in a single day on Thursday.The Ministry reported that out of 102,596 tests which were processed on Thursday, 4,046 of which returned positive results, resulting in a 4% positivity rate.The amount of active coronavirus patients in the country rose to 33,338. 527 patients are classified as being in serious condition, 133 of whom are intubated.The death toll on Thursday rose by 14 to a total of 3,186 since the pandemic began.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Saudi-led coalition says mine hit ship in Red Sea - state TV

he Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said on Friday that a marine mine laid by Yemen 's Iran-aligned Houthis hit @ @ @ @ @ the southern Red Sea causing minor damages but no human loss , Saudi state TV @ @

T he Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said on Friday that a marine mine laid by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis hit a commercial cargo ship in the southern Red Sea causing minor damages but no human loss, Saudi state TV reported.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Harish resident fined NIS 5,000 for leaving coronavirus hotel

A man in his 40s who broke isolation and left a coronavirus hotel in Jerusalem without a permit was located by the police at his home in Harish, a town in northern Israel.The man was located following a report received from the hotel about his absence and fined NIS 5,000, along with a demand to return to the hotel until the end of his isolation period.


jerusalempost--2020-12-25--Russia opens criminal case against ally of Kremlin critic Navalny

Navalny 's supporters say Sobol rang the doorbell of an alleged FSB security service officer on Monday evening .
Navalny previously accused the agent of taking part in a bungled plot to poison him with a nerve agent in August .
The FSB has dismissed the accusations by Navalny , who has said he would return to Russia hoping to capitalize on a higher profile in the wake of the poisoning case , which has raised tension between Moscow and Western capitals .
The move against Sobol is the latest in a clampdown on the Kremlin 's opponents before next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been seeking to run , although outspoken critics are often barred from standing .
Police took Sobol in for questioning on Friday .
The Investigative Committee , which handles serious crime probes , announced on its website that it was launching a criminal case .
It said Sobol and several others had repeatedly tried to gain entry to an old woman 's flat in eastern Moscow , wearing uniforms used by the state consumer health watchdog .
It said Sobol tricked a delivery courier to get into a block of flats and barged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened the door , adding Sobol was suspected of using violence to illegally enter , an offense that carries a two years in jail .
Navalny , who is in Germany where he was treated after collapsing on a plane in Russia , condemned the action .
Germany and other Western nations say Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in a murder attempt .
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the accusations .

Navalny's supporters say Sobol rang the doorbell of an alleged FSB security service officer on Monday evening. Navalny previously accused the agent of taking part in a bungled plot to poison him with a nerve agent in August.
The FSB has dismissed the accusations by Navalny, who has said he would return to Russia hoping to capitalize on a higher profile in the wake of the poisoning case, which has raised tension between Moscow and Western capitals.
The move against Sobol is the latest in a clampdown on the Kremlin's opponents before next year's parliamentary election. Sobol has been seeking to run, although outspoken critics are often barred from standing.
Police took Sobol in for questioning on Friday. The Investigative Committee, which handles serious crime probes, announced on its website that it was launching a criminal case.
It said Sobol and several others had repeatedly tried to gain entry to an old woman's flat in eastern Moscow, wearing uniforms used by the state consumer health watchdog.
It said Sobol tricked a delivery courier to get into a block of flats and barged into the woman's flat when she opened the door, adding Sobol was suspected of using violence to illegally enter, an offense that carries a two years in jail.
Navalny, who is in Germany where he was treated after collapsing on a plane in Russia, condemned the action.
Germany and other Western nations say Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in a murder attempt. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the accusations.
Russia opened a criminal case on Friday against Lyubov Sobol, an ally of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, accusing her of violently trespassing when she tried to doorstep an alleged secret agent who Navalny says was part of a plot to kill him.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--Iran extends traffic curfew to 330 cities to sustain virus decline

Alireza Raisi , spokesman for the national coronavirus task force , said on state TV that a curfew running from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. , already in place in 108 so-called `` orange '' or medium-risk cities , will be extended to lower-risk `` yellow '' cities .
The curfew , during which there is a ban on the use of private cars to reduce the level of contacts between people , resulted in nearly 100,000 fines on one night in the past week .
Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 134 people had died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the lowest since Sept. 13 , taking total deaths to 54,574 in the Middle East 's worst-affected country .
There were 5,760 new cases reported , the lowest since Oct. 22 , bringing the total to 1,194,964 .
Iran ’ s Central Bank head said on Thursday it had received approval from U.S. authorities to transfer money to a Swiss bank to buy coronavirus vaccines from COVAX , a multi-agency group dedicated to assuring fair access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries .
It did not say which vaccines it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rouhani , in televised remarks , reiterated Iran 's complaint that U.S. sanctions had made it difficult to make payments for vaccines .
`` We arranged money from a bank to buy vaccines from COVAX but they said you need ( U.S. ) approval , '' Rouhani said .

Iran has extended a night-time traffic curfew to 330 lower-risk cities in an effort to sustain a recent fall in the number of new coronavirus infections and deaths, state television reported on Saturday.
Alireza Raisi, spokesman for the national coronavirus task force, said on state TV that a curfew running from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., already in place in 108 so-called "orange" or medium-risk cities, will be extended to lower-risk "yellow" cities.
The curfew, during which there is a ban on the use of private cars to reduce the level of contacts between people, resulted in nearly 100,000 fines on one night in the past week.
Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 134 people had died of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the lowest since Sept. 13, taking total deaths to 54,574 in the Middle East's worst-affected country.
There were 5,760 new cases reported, the lowest since Oct. 22, bringing the total to 1,194,964.
Iran’s Central Bank head said on Thursday it had received approval from U.S. authorities to transfer money to a Swiss bank to buy coronavirus vaccines from COVAX, a multi-agency group dedicated to assuring fair access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries.
It did not say which vaccines it was buying.
On Saturday, President Hassan Rouhani, in televised remarks, reiterated Iran's complaint that U.S. sanctions had made it difficult to make payments for vaccines. "We arranged money from a bank to buy vaccines from COVAX but they said you need (U.S.) approval," Rouhani said.
Food and medicine are exempt from sanctions that Washington reimposed on Tehran after President Donald Trump walked away from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. But the U.S. measures have deterred some foreign banks from processing financial transactions for Iran deals.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--Incendiary balloons located in an empty field near Gaza Strip - report

It was found in an empty field between the religious moshav of Shokeda and Kibbutz Be'eri , both located close @ @ @ @ @ Luckily , the device was found before it exploded and caused any damage .

It was found in an empty field between the religious moshav of Shokeda and Kibbutz Be'eri, both located close to the Gaza Strip.
Luckily, the device was found before it exploded and caused any damage.
An explosive device attached to balloons was spotted in an empty field near the Gaza Strip on Saturday, N12 reported.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--China lowers age of criminal responsibility to 12 for 'abominable' crimes

The revision was passed by the National People 's Congress Standing Committee on Saturday after a third review and will @ @ @ @ @ .
It applies to children aged between 12 and 14 , the state-backed newspaper said @ @ @ @ @ 14-16 can be held criminally liable if they intentionally commit serious violent crimes such as @ @ @ @ @ most other offences , the age of criminal liability is 16 .

China has lowered the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old for "abominable" crimes such as murder or causing injury that leads to death or severe disabilities by extremely cruel means, the China Daily said.
The revision was passed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee on Saturday after a third review and will be effective from March 1. It applies to children aged between 12 and 14, the state-backed newspaper said.
Children in China aged 14-16 can be held criminally liable if they intentionally commit serious violent crimes such as murder and rape. For most other offences, the age of criminal liability is 16.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--Coronavirus commissioner visits Baqa al-Gharbiyye, asks for cooperation

Prof. Ash was accompanied by head of the coronavirus control center in the Arab sector Ayman Saif .
During their @ @ @ @ @ the importance of maintaining coronavirus guidelines and called on the public to cooperate as much @ @ @ @ @ campaign currently underway .

Prof. Ash was accompanied by head of the coronavirus control center in the Arab sector Ayman Saif.
During their meeting, Ash explained about the importance of maintaining coronavirus guidelines and called on the public to cooperate as much as possible with the vaccination campaign currently underway.
Coronavirus commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash visited on Saturday the Arab village of Baqa al-Gharbiyye and its Mayor Raed Daka.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--Eilat mayor and council members to enter quarantine - report

As a result , Eilat Mayor Meir Yitzhak Halevi and Eilat 's council members will enter quarantine until the Health @ @ @ @ @ .

As a result, Eilat Mayor Meir Yitzhak Halevi and Eilat's council members will enter quarantine until the Health Ministry completes an epidemiological inquiry.
Eli Lankri, Eilat's deputy mayor, was diagnosed with coronavirus following his return from a recent trip to Dubai, Yisrael Hayom reported Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--Man in 40s dies after being hit by car while riding electric bicycle

MDA paramedics were rushed to the scene and were forced to pronounce his death .

MDA paramedics were rushed to the scene and were forced to pronounce his death.
A man in his 40s died on Saturday after being hit by a car while riding his electric bicycle on road 461 near Tel Aviv, Israeli media reported.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--Russia's total number of COVID-19 cases crosses 3 million mark

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The total number of cases of coronavirus infections in Russia crossed the 3 million mark for the first time on Saturday after officials recorded 29,258 new cases in the preceding 24 hours and 567 deaths.This brought the total number of cases of coronavirus in Russia since the start of the pandemic to 3,021,964, according to official data.


jerusalempost--2020-12-26--Four injured in Berlin shooting, police say

A police spokeswoman said four people were taken to hospital in the altercation involving several people in the Kreuzberg district @ @ @ @ @ indication of a political motive .

Four people were injured in a shooting in the German capital Berlin in the early hours of Saturday, police said.
A police spokeswoman said four people were taken to hospital in the altercation involving several people in the Kreuzberg district, adding there was no indication of a political motive.
The Berlin fire service said earlier on Twitter that three people were seriously injured in the shooting.