As Israel continues to vaccinate its citizens at a rapid pace, US Senator Bernie Sanders hit out at the Israeli government asserting that Palestinians are still waiting for the vaccines.

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As the occupying power, Israel is responsible for the health of all the people under its control. It is outrageous that Netanyahu would use spare vaccines to reward his foreign allies while so many Palestinians in the occupied territories are still waiting. <a href="https://t.co/kx4qFPtRQl">https://t.co/kx4qFPtRQl</a>
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSanders/status/1364705129312776193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"As the occupying power, Israel is responsible for the health of all the people under its control. It is outrageous that Netanyahu would use spare vaccines to reward his foreign allies while so many Palestinians in the occupied territories are still waiting," Bernie Sanders said.

Israel has already vaccinated over a third of its population ensuring Pfizer-BioNTech jabs for 3.2 million people ever since its inoculation drive began in December. The authorities however remain cautions as they imposed curfew for the Jewish holiday of Purim disallowing late-night parties as a precaution after last year's festivities became a COVID-19 super-spreaders.

Israel has been gradually reopening its economy after a third lockdown amid a surge in cases late last year, however, the rapid pace of vaccination has allowed authorities to turn the tide on the pandemic.

Israel had earlier reportedly sent vaccine doses to the occupied West Bank to inoculate Palestinian Authority medical workers.

However, the country's justice department said plans to distribute surplus coronavirus vaccines has been halted. &nbsp;

Netanyahu had said earlier that his government will be sending "limited quantity" of vaccines to the Palestinians and to several allies, however, the justice ministry later said that &nbsp;"the attorney general was examining the claim that vaccines were transferred to foreign countries without authority."

As Israel continues to vaccinate its citizens at a rapid pace, US Senator Bernie Sanders hit out at the Israeli government asserting that Palestinians are still waiting for the vaccines.

As Israel continues to vaccinate its citizens at a rapid pace, US Senator Bernie Sanders hit out at the Israeli government asserting that Palestinians are still waiting for the vaccines. As the occupying power, Israel is responsible for the health of all the people under its control. It is outrageous that Netanyahu would use spare vaccines to reward his foreign allies while so many Palestinians in the occupied territories are still waiting. https://t.co/kx4qFPtRQl — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 24, 2021 × "As the occupying power, Israel is responsible for the health of all the people under its control. It is outrageous that Netanyahu would use spare vaccines to reward his foreign allies while so many Palestinians in the occupied territories are still waiting," Bernie Sanders said. Israel has already vaccinated over a third of its population ensuring Pfizer-BioNTech jabs for 3.2 million people ever since its inoculation drive began in December. The authorities however remain cautions as they imposed curfew for the Jewish holiday of Purim disallowing late-night parties as a precaution after last year's festivities became a COVID-19 super-spreaders. Israel has been gradually reopening its economy after a third lockdown amid a surge in cases late last year, however, the rapid pace of vaccination has allowed authorities to turn the tide on the pandemic. Israel had earlier reportedly sent vaccine doses to the occupied West Bank to inoculate Palestinian Authority medical workers. However, the country's justice department said plans to distribute surplus coronavirus vaccines has been halted. Netanyahu had said earlier that his government will be sending "limited quantity" of vaccines to the Palestinians and to several allies, however, the justice ministry later said that "the attorney general was examining the claim that vaccines were transferred to foreign countries without authority."

Bernie Sanders hits out at Israel for not sending coronavirus vaccines to Palestinians

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate.

The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations.&nbsp;

"Over the past two days, we've heard from experts that if we don't take immediate and harsh measures, we'll reach an abyss," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-becomes-first-country-in-world-to-impose-second-national-lockdown-327306">Also read:&nbsp;Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown</a>&nbsp;

The government's latest move comes as the country is poised to enter the second week of a three-week lockdown imposed last Friday, which included the closure of schools and restrictions on work and leisure.

Under the new measures set to be approved in parliament later Thursday, synagogues will only be allowed to open on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday which begins Sunday afternoon.

At other times, only outdoor prayer will be allowed with a maximum of 20 people attending. The same restrictions have been applied to demonstrations.

"To save the lives of Israel's citizens we need to impose a full lockdown now for two weeks," Netanyahu said.

"This is also necessary for the economy. Whoever thinks we can work with a raging pandemic, with death and infections rising, without it affecting the economy, is wrong."

A decision on whether to close Ben Gurion international airport outside Tel Aviv will be made later on Thursday, the government said.

Israel has the world's highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight.

More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded, with 1,335 deaths, out of a population of nine million.

Netanyahu has faced fierce criticism from opposition politicians, who accuse him of tightening the rules to put an end to weeks of protest outside his Jerusalem residence.

Ayelet Shaked, a lawmaker with the far-right Yamina party, said the new rules are "destructive and unreasonable".

"Because of the demonstrations, they're pushing hundreds of thousands of people to unemployment and crushing the economy," she said in a statement.

Shaked said she will push to change the measures when they come before a parliamentary committee for approval later on Thursday.&nbsp;

Israel's health ministry registered 6,808 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, out of 54,364 tests processed.

Some hospitals have reached capacity and are having to turn people away, with some patients forced to wait for hours in ambulances, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom.

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate.

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate. The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations. "Over the past two days, we've heard from experts that if we don't take immediate and harsh measures, we'll reach an abyss," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures. Also read: Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown The government's latest move comes as the country is poised to enter the second week of a three-week lockdown imposed last Friday, which included the closure of schools and restrictions on work and leisure. Under the new measures set to be approved in parliament later Thursday, synagogues will only be allowed to open on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday which begins Sunday afternoon. At other times, only outdoor prayer will be allowed with a maximum of 20 people attending. The same restrictions have been applied to demonstrations. "To save the lives of Israel's citizens we need to impose a full lockdown now for two weeks," Netanyahu said. "This is also necessary for the economy. Whoever thinks we can work with a raging pandemic, with death and infections rising, without it affecting the economy, is wrong." A decision on whether to close Ben Gurion international airport outside Tel Aviv will be made later on Thursday, the government said. Israel has the world's highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight. More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded, with 1,335 deaths, out of a population of nine million. Netanyahu has faced fierce criticism from opposition politicians, who accuse him of tightening the rules to put an end to weeks of protest outside his Jerusalem residence. Ayelet Shaked, a lawmaker with the far-right Yamina party, said the new rules are "destructive and unreasonable". "Because of the demonstrations, they're pushing hundreds of thousands of people to unemployment and crushing the economy," she said in a statement. Shaked said she will push to change the measures when they come before a parliamentary committee for approval later on Thursday. Israel's health ministry registered 6,808 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, out of 54,364 tests processed. Some hospitals have reached capacity and are having to turn people away, with some patients forced to wait for hours in ambulances, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom.

Israel toughens second lockdown as virus cases surge

The Israel government approved a nationwide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">lockdown </a>beginning Friday after the nation's parliament approved an initial lockdown for two weeks which is likely to be extended.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-protests-break-out-in-israel-against-nethanyahus-poor-handling-of-coronavirus-327123">Also Read:&nbsp;Fresh protests break out in Israel against Nethanyahu's poor handling of coronavirus</a>

The country entered its second lockdown amid a spurt in coronavirus cases coinciding with the start of the Jewish New Year. Israel had earlier imposed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/90-minute-british-dnanudge-covid-19-test-is-944-accurate-lancet-study-finds-328376">lockdown</a> in March and began easing restrictions in May.

“We find ourselves before the second closure since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic,” PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address to the nation, adding, "We have determined that one of the criteria for new restrictions would be a red flag from the health system and it was waved last week.” &nbsp;

Israel has witnessed 5,000 cases per day as authorities impose social distancing norms and limit worshippers going to synagogues amid the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana which begins on September 27.

The government has announced stringent guidelines including restrictions on educational activity, visiting each others residence and visits to the beach. The authorities have allowed not more than 20 people to gather in open spaces with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinese-scientist-says-covid-19-was-created-by-chinas-military-327862">social distancing</a> norms of at least 2 meters with residents allowed to go out up to a distance of 1 kilometre only.

The government has also designated cities as "red" which have recorded a large number of cases including Netanya and Rishon Letzion, near Tel Aviv and areas in Jerusalem, including the Old City. Amid the growing number of cases, the country has also ramped up testing with 5,238 positive cases detected on Thursday out of 56,986 tests processed.

The Israel government approved a nationwide lockdown beginning Friday after the nation's parliament approved an initial lockdown for two weeks which is likely to be extended.

The Israel government approved a nationwide lockdown beginning Friday after the nation's parliament approved an initial lockdown for two weeks which is likely to be extended. Also Read: Fresh protests break out in Israel against Nethanyahu's poor handling of coronavirus The country entered its second lockdown amid a spurt in coronavirus cases coinciding with the start of the Jewish New Year. Israel had earlier imposed a lockdown in March and began easing restrictions in May. “We find ourselves before the second closure since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic,” PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address to the nation, adding, "We have determined that one of the criteria for new restrictions would be a red flag from the health system and it was waved last week.” Israel has witnessed 5,000 cases per day as authorities impose social distancing norms and limit worshippers going to synagogues amid the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana which begins on September 27. The government has announced stringent guidelines including restrictions on educational activity, visiting each others residence and visits to the beach. The authorities have allowed not more than 20 people to gather in open spaces with social distancing norms of at least 2 meters with residents allowed to go out up to a distance of 1 kilometre only. The government has also designated cities as "red" which have recorded a large number of cases including Netanya and Rishon Letzion, near Tel Aviv and areas in Jerusalem, including the Old City. Amid the growing number of cases, the country has also ramped up testing with 5,238 positive cases detected on Thursday out of 56,986 tests processed.

Israel enters second lockdown amid spurt in coronavirus cases

The government is taking the extraordinary step after watching daily cases rise from five in late May to more than 4,000 this week.

Israel under 3 week lockdown during Jewish holiday

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

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Israel enters second lockdown amid spurt in coronavirus cases

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Israel eases coronavirus restrictions