Special Coverage

"Lockdowns are truly a last resort," says Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, adding "Our goal is simple: to preserve the health of Israelis, and also to preserve the economic future of Israel."

Israel Hayom poll shows that 67% of Israelis are worried about the latest COVID outbreak, but only 45% see a lockdown during the High Holidays as an appropriate course of action. 51% of respondents say Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu is the best person to serve as PM.

Likud MKs blast agreement that would see hospitals receive extra medical workers on condition they stay mum if they become overwhelmed. Netanyahu blasts PM, Shaked for wasting time instead of saving lives.

Tensions are high in Iran as the supreme leader's ban on foreign vaccines severely curtails the republic's ability to purchase doses. Meanwhile, the well-to-do buy Pfizer and Moderna shots on the black market for as much as $1,350.

Daily caseload tops 5,755 with 400 patients in serious condition, Health Ministry says. Housing Minister Ze'ev Elkin says that unless the infection rate is curbed, lockdown could be imminent.  

If the coronavirus is tamed by then, the Paris Games could quickly become the party games. Already, there is palpable pent-up eagerness among athletes to make up for Tokyo and its disappointments.

"We are not guilty of anything – this is a matter of the judges. I feel sorry for Linoy – she did nothing wrong. Don't harass her," Olympian Dina Averina says of controversy over the scoring in Tokyo

Being the hardest-hit nation in the Middle East, Iran reports a staggering 94,603 coronavirus deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic.