"With Bennett's arrival, there may be a chance to start a new era in Turkey-Israel ties," Turkish leader tells reporters. Israeli official says no plans for premier to visit Ankara at this stage.

Local report that half the residents of Kharkiv have fled as Hungarian PM Viktor Orban turns down Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's request for weapons. Meanwhile, Finland announces it will suspend train service to Russia starting March 28.

Jewish refugees fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine this week tell Israel Hayom they stayed as long as possible. Leaving the country with a heavy heart, they say they plan to return home as soon the war is over.

Measures include, among other things, canceling air travel and sealing the country's borders. Сoronavirus morbidity slightly down as 12,003 Israelis test positive.

Top US diplomat will meet with Gantz, Lapid, and Herzog before traveling to Ramallah. Blinken will then depart for Morocco and Algeria for talks on Ukraine, regional issues, and the promotion of individual rights and basic freedoms.