Citing preliminary findings of a study conducted in Israel, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that the fourth dose of the COVID vaccine boosts antibodies fivefold a week after the shot is administered.

Israel PM Naftali Bennett: the 4th dose of the COVID vaccine boosts antibodies fivefold

Israel is also battling a surge in Covid-19 infections due to the spread of the omicron variant. The top health advisor to the Israeli government has predicted that one-third of the country's population could contract omicron in the next few weeks.

Israel hospitals sound alarms over surging COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron mutant variant

The rapidly spreading Omicron variant is becoming a major challenge for the health authorities in Israel the healthcare system there is struggling to conduct enough Covid 19 tests.

Israel shifts focus to rapid tests amid Omicron surge

Israeli the healthcare system there is struggling to conduct enough Covid 19 tests

Around 81% of Israeli citizens or residents over 16 - the age group eligible for the Pfizer vaccine in Israel - have received both doses in one of the world's fastest rollouts.

Israel: PM Netanyahu announces second round of inoculation

Israel on Sunday (April 18), lifted mandate to compulsorily wear masks outdoors. Israelis stepped out on streets without masks for the first time in a year. Israel has vaccinated over half of its population in one of the world's fastest anti-COVID inoculation campaigns.

Israel's health ministry had announced on Thursday that masks would no longer be required in public outdoor spaces.

"It's very strange but it's very nice," said Eliana Gamulka, 26, after getting off a bus near the busy Jerusalem shopping boulevard of Jaffa Street and removing her face covering.

"You can't pretend that you don't know anyone any more," she smiled.

For Gamulka, a project manager, the good news came at the perfect time: just two weeks before her wedding.

It will be "very nice to celebrate with everyone, now without masks," she said. "The pictures will be great! I'm very relieved. We can start living again."&nbsp;

Rapid vaccination has led to drastic decrease in Israel's daily caseload. In January this year, the caseload was 10,000 infections per day. Now it has come to 200 cases per day.

That has allowed the re-opening of schools, bars, restaurants and other indoor gatherings -- although masks are still required in indoor public spaces.

Yet on Sunday, office worker Ester Malka said she wasn't quite ready to let down her guard.

"We're allowed, but I'm still afraid, I got used to (wearing a mask)," she said.

"I feel like it's part of my life. We'll see what happens when everyone has taken them off. If it goes well for a couple of months, then I'll remove mine."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Sunday (April 18), lifted mandate to compulsorily wear masks outdoors. Israelis stepped out on streets without masks for the first time in a year. Israel has vaccinated over half of its population in one of the world's fastest anti-COVID inoculation campaigns.

Israel on Sunday (April 18), lifted mandate to compulsorily wear masks outdoors. Israelis stepped out on streets without masks for the first time in a year. Israel has vaccinated over half of its population in one of the world's fastest anti-COVID inoculation campaigns. Israel's health ministry had announced on Thursday that masks would no longer be required in public outdoor spaces. "It's very strange but it's very nice," said Eliana Gamulka, 26, after getting off a bus near the busy Jerusalem shopping boulevard of Jaffa Street and removing her face covering. "You can't pretend that you don't know anyone any more," she smiled. For Gamulka, a project manager, the good news came at the perfect time: just two weeks before her wedding. It will be "very nice to celebrate with everyone, now without masks," she said. "The pictures will be great! I'm very relieved. We can start living again." Rapid vaccination has led to drastic decrease in Israel's daily caseload. In January this year, the caseload was 10,000 infections per day. Now it has come to 200 cases per day. That has allowed the re-opening of schools, bars, restaurants and other indoor gatherings -- although masks are still required in indoor public spaces. Yet on Sunday, office worker Ester Malka said she wasn't quite ready to let down her guard. "We're allowed, but I'm still afraid, I got used to (wearing a mask)," she said. "I feel like it's part of my life. We'll see what happens when everyone has taken them off. If it goes well for a couple of months, then I'll remove mine." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel drops public mask mandate with more than half population vaccinated

Israel is&nbsp;offering a tracking bracelet as an alternative to quarantine incoming travellers. It&nbsp;reportedly monitors the wearers’ location via Bluetooth and GPS technology and connects to the users’ cell phone.

The bracelet's monitor&nbsp;will notify authorities should they violate a mandatory isolation period.

The pilot programme began on Monday with 100 tracking systems available at Ben Gurion Airport, where traffic has dropped dramatically due to restrictions meant to reduce the risk of COVID-19 variants entering the country.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-supreme-court-restricts-usage-of-coronavirus-smartphone-tracking-367206">Israel's Supreme Court restricts usage of coronavirus smartphone tracking</a>

Incoming passengers have been forced to stay at hotels, paid for by the government, for up to two weeks to make sure they are virus-free before they can move around freely.

Should someone choose the new system -- which includes a slim, lightweight and waterproof bracelet, a smartphone and a wall-mounted tracker -- they can self-isolate at home.

The system alerts the authorities if someone removes the bracelet or ventures too far from the home monitor.

SuperCom SPCB.O, the company behind the technology, said there was a potential for thousands of the bracelets to be in use.

Earlier,&nbsp;Israel's Supreme Court on Monday banned the government from unprecedented usage of mobile phone data to track carriers of coronavirus.

The court referred to the tracking measure as a grave infraction of citizens' civil liberties. 
 
The surveillance technology, created by Shin Bet counter-terrorism agency has been used by Israeli authorities intermittently since March 2020. As part of this move, carriers were able to track mobile phones nearby to ascertain who they've come into contact with.

Ever since the tracking measure began, civil rights groups had raised privacy concerns and moved the courts. In addition, lawmakers expressed doubt over the effectiveness of the contact-tracing tool.

The court, in its ruling, claimed that it feared the mobile tracking measure was slowly becoming permanent, as opposed to its introduction as a temporary emergency measure.&nbsp;

Israel is offering a tracking bracelet as an alternative to quarantine incoming travellers. It reportedly monitors the wearers’ location via Bluetooth and GPS technology and connects to the users’ cell phone.

Israel is offering a tracking bracelet as an alternative to quarantine incoming travellers. It reportedly monitors the wearers’ location via Bluetooth and GPS technology and connects to the users’ cell phone. The bracelet's monitor will notify authorities should they violate a mandatory isolation period. The pilot programme began on Monday with 100 tracking systems available at Ben Gurion Airport, where traffic has dropped dramatically due to restrictions meant to reduce the risk of COVID-19 variants entering the country. Also read | Israel's Supreme Court restricts usage of coronavirus smartphone tracking Incoming passengers have been forced to stay at hotels, paid for by the government, for up to two weeks to make sure they are virus-free before they can move around freely. Should someone choose the new system -- which includes a slim, lightweight and waterproof bracelet, a smartphone and a wall-mounted tracker -- they can self-isolate at home. The system alerts the authorities if someone removes the bracelet or ventures too far from the home monitor. SuperCom SPCB.O, the company behind the technology, said there was a potential for thousands of the bracelets to be in use. Earlier, Israel's Supreme Court on Monday banned the government from unprecedented usage of mobile phone data to track carriers of coronavirus. The court referred to the tracking measure as a grave infraction of citizens' civil liberties. The surveillance technology, created by Shin Bet counter-terrorism agency has been used by Israeli authorities intermittently since March 2020. As part of this move, carriers were able to track mobile phones nearby to ascertain who they've come into contact with. Ever since the tracking measure began, civil rights groups had raised privacy concerns and moved the courts. In addition, lawmakers expressed doubt over the effectiveness of the contact-tracing tool. The court, in its ruling, claimed that it feared the mobile tracking measure was slowly becoming permanent, as opposed to its introduction as a temporary emergency measure.

Israel offers tracking bracelet as 'alternative' to quarantine to incoming travellers

More than 12,400 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Israel after getting inoculated by the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine, including 69 people who had taken their second jab.

Israel: Over 12,000 people test positive for COVID-19 after receiving Pfizer vaccine

About 13 people in Israel have experienced mild facial paralysis as a side effect after taking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, the Health Ministry reported and estimates suggest that the real number could be higher.&nbsp;

Experts have raised questions whether the second dose is to be administered, but the Health Ministry is insisting that the second dose should be given.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"For at least 28 hours I walked around with it (facial paralysis)," one person who faced the side-effect told Ynet.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-european-unions-pfizer-vaccine-deliveries-to-be-delayed-for-next-3-4-weeks-356982">Covid-19: European Union's Pfizer vaccine deliveries to be delayed 'for next 3-4 weeks'</a>

"I can't say it was completely gone afterwards, but other than that I had no other pains, except a minor pain where the injection was but there was nothing beyond that."

He said that he is unsure on taking the second dose, but added it is "rare" and he doesn't want people to avoid getting inoculated.

"It's important," he said.&nbsp;

Prof. Galia Rahav, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Sheba Medical Center said that he recently came across a person experiencing facial paralysis after being administered with the vaccine and so he decided to not give the person the second dose.&nbsp;

"It is true that it can be given according to the Health Ministry, but I did not feel comfortable with it," Rahav said.&nbsp;

Ynet reported that the health ministry has said that the second dose should definitely be given once the condition of paralysis heals.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

About 13 people in Israel have experienced mild facial paralysis as a side effect after taking the coronavirus vaccine, the Health Ministry reported and estimates suggest that the real number could be higher.

About 13 people in Israel have experienced mild facial paralysis as a side effect after taking the coronavirus vaccine, the Health Ministry reported and estimates suggest that the real number could be higher. Experts have raised questions whether the second dose is to be administered, but the Health Ministry is insisting that the second dose should be given. Watch | "For at least 28 hours I walked around with it (facial paralysis)," one person who faced the side-effect told Ynet. Also read | Covid-19: European Union's Pfizer vaccine deliveries to be delayed 'for next 3-4 weeks' "I can't say it was completely gone afterwards, but other than that I had no other pains, except a minor pain where the injection was but there was nothing beyond that." He said that he is unsure on taking the second dose, but added it is "rare" and he doesn't want people to avoid getting inoculated. "It's important," he said. Prof. Galia Rahav, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Sheba Medical Center said that he recently came across a person experiencing facial paralysis after being administered with the vaccine and so he decided to not give the person the second dose. "It is true that it can be given according to the Health Ministry, but I did not feel comfortable with it," Rahav said. Ynet reported that the health ministry has said that the second dose should definitely be given once the condition of paralysis heals.

13 in Israel experience facial paralysis after receiving Covid-19 vaccine: Report

Israel’s economy shrank by 28.7% in the second quarter, hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to mass job losses and weaker consumer spending, trade and investment.

COVID-19 pandemic: Israel economy shrinks in second quarter

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and thronged the streets of central Jerusalem

Israel: Angry protesters gather outside Netanyahu's residence; Demands PM's resignation

Israel is gradually reopening of school as a step towards giving relaxations in lockdown. Schools in Israel open for the first time in seven weeks. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Schools reopen in Israel on Sunday, All students required to wear masks

In a race to find a cure for COVID-19, scientists at Israel top have managed to isolate a key coronavirus antibody which could possibly neutralise the virus. Watch report.

Israel claims 'significant breakthrough' : Develops possible COVID-19 vaccine

Thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv to protest the unity government that kept Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power even as he gets ready to go to trial on corruption charges

Israel: Anti-unity government protests in Tel Aviv

Israel began easing movement restrictions on Sunday while pointedly avoiding announcing any exit from an ongoing lockdown to forestall the spread of coronavirus.

A cabinet vote in the early hours of the morning approved several measures, including a reopening of high street shops, schools for children with special educational needs and a resumption of small scale prayer meetings, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-overtakes-iran-with-over-82000-coronavirus-cases-293367">Turkey overtakes Iran with over 82,000 coronavirus cases</a>

Most of the measures take effect from Sunday, while the selected schools will reopen their doors to pupils on Tuesday, according to the education ministry.&nbsp;

Prayer gatherings of up to 19 people at a time will be allowed, on condition that they take place in the open air with people wearing masks and at least two metres apart -- higher than a limit of 10 people initially proposed by the prime minister on Saturday.&nbsp;

As part of social distancing, places of worship for all faiths had previously been closed and from April 12 wearing face masks in public became mandatory.

In a televised address on Saturday, Netanyahu had outlined "a responsible and gradual" plan allowing the return of some workers to offices and industry.

With Ramadan set to begin in the coming days, the premier urged Muslims in Israel to have "meals only with your nuclear family."

Israel, which has a population of around nine million, confirmed its first coronavirus patient on February 21.&nbsp;

Israel has more than 13,360 confirmed cases of the illness, with 171 fatalities.

Its health ministry says that more than 3,500 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital.

The past few days have seen a slowdown in new confirmed cases. &nbsp;

But Netanyahu warned that if infection rates started climbing again there would be a fresh clampdown.

"If we see that in two weeks' time the improving trend continues, there will be further easing," he said.

"If there should be an additional outbreak of corona(virus), we shall be obliged to backtrack."

Finance Ministry Director-General Shai Babad spoke in the same broadcast.

"It is important to stress that this is not the start of an exit strategy, we are not returning to normal," he said.&nbsp;

Israel was an early and tough responder to the health crisis.

In late February it started barring travellers arriving from virus hotspots, gradually extending restrictions to a near-total air travel ban.&nbsp;

Then came regulations barring Israelis from leaving their homes except to go to the supermarket, pharmacy or hospital.&nbsp;

Netanyahu stressed that Israel's rapid and tough response had proved effective compared to other states that were slower to impose restrictions.&nbsp;

"In Belgium, which is more or less the same size as us, there are over 5,000 deaths... these are not pointless comparisons," he said.&nbsp;

Israel began easing movement restrictions on Sunday while pointedly avoiding announcing any exit from an ongoing lockdown to forestall the spread of coronavirus.

Israel began easing movement restrictions on Sunday while pointedly avoiding announcing any exit from an ongoing lockdown to forestall the spread of coronavirus. A cabinet vote in the early hours of the morning approved several measures, including a reopening of high street shops, schools for children with special educational needs and a resumption of small scale prayer meetings, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said. Also read | Turkey overtakes Iran with over 82,000 coronavirus cases Most of the measures take effect from Sunday, while the selected schools will reopen their doors to pupils on Tuesday, according to the education ministry. Prayer gatherings of up to 19 people at a time will be allowed, on condition that they take place in the open air with people wearing masks and at least two metres apart -- higher than a limit of 10 people initially proposed by the prime minister on Saturday. As part of social distancing, places of worship for all faiths had previously been closed and from April 12 wearing face masks in public became mandatory. In a televised address on Saturday, Netanyahu had outlined "a responsible and gradual" plan allowing the return of some workers to offices and industry. With Ramadan set to begin in the coming days, the premier urged Muslims in Israel to have "meals only with your nuclear family." Israel, which has a population of around nine million, confirmed its first coronavirus patient on February 21. Israel has more than 13,360 confirmed cases of the illness, with 171 fatalities. Its health ministry says that more than 3,500 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital. The past few days have seen a slowdown in new confirmed cases. But Netanyahu warned that if infection rates started climbing again there would be a fresh clampdown. "If we see that in two weeks' time the improving trend continues, there will be further easing," he said. "If there should be an additional outbreak of corona(virus), we shall be obliged to backtrack." Finance Ministry Director-General Shai Babad spoke in the same broadcast. "It is important to stress that this is not the start of an exit strategy, we are not returning to normal," he said. Israel was an early and tough responder to the health crisis. In late February it started barring travellers arriving from virus hotspots, gradually extending restrictions to a near-total air travel ban. Then came regulations barring Israelis from leaving their homes except to go to the supermarket, pharmacy or hospital. Netanyahu stressed that Israel's rapid and tough response had proved effective compared to other states that were slower to impose restrictions. "In Belgium, which is more or less the same size as us, there are over 5,000 deaths... these are not pointless comparisons," he said.

Israel eases coronavirus restrictions

A medical centre in Israel has found a way to enable families to say goodbye to the body of their loved ones if they die from COVID-19.

Israeli hospital finds way for families to say goodbye

Netanyahu is battling for his political survival. A leader who has been unchallenged for more than a decade appears to have met his match. This third election in the country is also different because it is taking place under the shadow of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Watch report: '

Israel in elections overshadowed by Covid-19