Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that the country can witness up to 4 million Covid infections in the current wave.

Speaking to reporters, Bennett said, "Data presented at the cabinet meeting indicates that here, in Israel, between two to four million citizens in total will be infected during this current wave."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dr-moshe-ashkenazi-exclusive-on-how-the-new-omicron-variant-is-affecting-children-in-israel-444130/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, an expert panel has said that even imposing a lockdown in Israel will not stop the wave of coronavirus case brought upon the country by the Omicron variant.

A country of just 9.4 million, Israel has seen infections nearly quadruple over the past week compared to the previous one.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-delmicron-its-flurona-israel-reports-first-double-infection-of-covid-and-flu-441504">Also read |&nbsp;After ‘Delmicron’, it's ‘flurona’: Israel reports first double infection of Covid and flu</a>

According to Bennett, "We saw that other countries imposed measures as harsh as a lockdown. The Netherlands, for example, imposed a total lockdown, but it didn't help. We have to manage this tsunami."&nbsp;

“There’s no place for panic. There’s no place for hysteria. We will get through this together,” Bennett said, adding that the government is handling a once-in-a-lifetime crisis “in the right and responsible way.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-omicron-variant-on-mind-israel-extends-travel-restrictions-for-10-days-435820">Also read |&nbsp;With Omicron variant on mind, Israel extends travel restrictions for 10 days</a>

In Israel as in other countries, the variant has shattered infection records but appears to cause less severe illness and death — especially among vaccinated people.

Antigen tests are in scarce supply at pharmacies around the country, and people spend hours in line waiting to get one administered.

The government last week earmarked PCR and institutional antigen testing for only people at high coronavirus risk, saying the less vulnerable should home-test instead.

Moving fast after Omicron was first detected abroad, Israel in late November barred foreigners and expanded a list of "red" countries to which travel by its citizens was strictly limited, with greater latitude given for medium-risk "orange" countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that the country can witness up to 4 million Covid infections in the current wave. Speaking to reporters, Bennett said, "Data presented at the cabinet meeting indicates that here, in Israel, between two to four million citizens in total will be infected during this current wave.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that the country can witness up to 4 million Covid infections in the current wave. Speaking to reporters, Bennett said, "Data presented at the cabinet meeting indicates that here, in Israel, between two to four million citizens in total will be infected during this current wave." Meanwhile, an expert panel has said that even imposing a lockdown in Israel will not stop the wave of coronavirus case brought upon the country by the Omicron variant. A country of just 9.4 million, Israel has seen infections nearly quadruple over the past week compared to the previous one. Also read | After ‘Delmicron’, it's ‘flurona’: Israel reports first double infection of Covid and flu According to Bennett, "We saw that other countries imposed measures as harsh as a lockdown. The Netherlands, for example, imposed a total lockdown, but it didn't help. We have to manage this tsunami." “There’s no place for panic. There’s no place for hysteria. We will get through this together,” Bennett said, adding that the government is handling a once-in-a-lifetime crisis “in the right and responsible way.” Also read | With Omicron variant on mind, Israel extends travel restrictions for 10 days In Israel as in other countries, the variant has shattered infection records but appears to cause less severe illness and death — especially among vaccinated people. Antigen tests are in scarce supply at pharmacies around the country, and people spend hours in line waiting to get one administered. The government last week earmarked PCR and institutional antigen testing for only people at high coronavirus risk, saying the less vulnerable should home-test instead. Moving fast after Omicron was first detected abroad, Israel in late November barred foreigners and expanded a list of "red" countries to which travel by its citizens was strictly limited, with greater latitude given for medium-risk "orange" countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Naftali Bennett says Israel can see up to 4 million Covid infections in current wave

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that a new study has found that the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose boosts antibodies five-fold.

"A week into the fourth dose we know to a higher degree of certainty that the fourth dose is safe," Bennett said at Sheba Medical Center, which is giving second booster shots in a trial among its staff amid a nationwide surge in Omicron variant infections.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-surge-could-see-israel-reach-herd-immunity-says-israeli-top-health-advisor-442233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"A week after the administration of the fourth dose, we see a fivefold increase in the number of antibodies in the vaccinated person," Bennett added.&nbsp;

"This most likely means a significant increase in the protection against infection and against severe hospitalisation and symptoms," he said, noting the facility was due to publish its findings soon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-delmicron-its-flurona-israel-reports-first-double-infection-of-covid-and-flu-441504">Also read |&nbsp;After ‘Delmicron’, it's ‘flurona’: Israel reports first double infection of Covid and flu</a>

Israel has played a leading role in studying the effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as the fastest country to roll out two-dose inoculations to a wide population a year ago and one of the first to give third shots as boosters.&nbsp;

It is now administering fourth doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to people over 60, health workers and immunocompromised patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-announces-fourth-booster-dose-for-over-60s-and-medics-as-omicron-rages-438890">Also read |&nbsp;Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages</a>

The moves come around one year after it began a massive vaccination drive on the back of a data-sharing accord with US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer.

The country's health ministry on Tuesday reported over 10,000 new coronavirus cases for the previous day, compared to a daily average of less than 4,000 the previous week.

More than four million people from Israel's population of 9.4 million have received three shots of the coronavirus vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that a new study has found that the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose boosts antibodies five-fold. "A week into the fourth dose we know to a higher degree of certainty that the fourth dose is safe," Bennett said at Sheba Medical Center, which is giving second booster shots in a trial among its staff amid a nationwide surge in Omicron variant infections.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that a new study has found that the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose boosts antibodies five-fold. "A week into the fourth dose we know to a higher degree of certainty that the fourth dose is safe," Bennett said at Sheba Medical Center, which is giving second booster shots in a trial among its staff amid a nationwide surge in Omicron variant infections. "A week after the administration of the fourth dose, we see a fivefold increase in the number of antibodies in the vaccinated person," Bennett added. "This most likely means a significant increase in the protection against infection and against severe hospitalisation and symptoms," he said, noting the facility was due to publish its findings soon. Also read | After ‘Delmicron’, it's ‘flurona’: Israel reports first double infection of Covid and flu Israel has played a leading role in studying the effects of COVID-19 vaccines, as the fastest country to roll out two-dose inoculations to a wide population a year ago and one of the first to give third shots as boosters. It is now administering fourth doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to people over 60, health workers and immunocompromised patients. Also read | Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages The moves come around one year after it began a massive vaccination drive on the back of a data-sharing accord with US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer. The country's health ministry on Tuesday reported over 10,000 new coronavirus cases for the previous day, compared to a daily average of less than 4,000 the previous week. More than four million people from Israel's population of 9.4 million have received three shots of the coronavirus vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

Naftali Bennett says Israeli study finds fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose boosts antibodies five-fold

There is a worldwide surge in cases as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>is spreading faster.

The differentiation will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a>.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-uk-israel-vaccinated-over-50-of-their-population-here-is-the-result-374857/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Countries that vaccinate their population in larger numbers will see a drop in case and the ones which lag behind will see a surge.

Our report shows how vaccines have made a difference in Israel and the United Kingdom.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerns-rise-worldwide-as-coronavirus-restarts-striking-harder-374844">Concerns rise worldwide as coronavirus restarts striking harder</a>

Israel enjoyed some normalcy on Passover this year.

An open-air shopping centre was alive again, people are filling up restaurants and hotels, museums and theatres are back in business.

The situation was very different last year and businesses had to shut their doors.

There were checkpoints on the roads and people were confined to their homes just like the rest of the world

But, Israel has accomplished a major turnaround because of the vaccines.

Reports say Israel's active cases are now down to their lowest level since June 2020.

With serious infections dipping below 400, that's a three-month low.

Israel has vaccinated more than half of its population and the jabs are working.

Symptomatic infections dropped by 94 per cent in 600,000 people who have got two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

The same group is also 92 per cent less likely to develop severe illness from the virus.

<h2>The story of the UK</h2>

Britain too seems to have tamed the virus with vaccines.

In January, the UK was struggling as a surge driven by a new strain of the virus had forced the country to impose a third national lockdown.

By January 5, the country had recorded more than 50,000 cases for seven straight days.

The UK approved two vaccines, the Pfizer shot that is being supplied from Belgium and the Oxford vaccine that is Made in Britain.

Now more than 50 per cent of people out of a population of more than 66 million have got at least one shot, making the British vaccine roll out the fastest in Europe.

The benefits are evident as the new infections are substantially down.

On Tuesday, the UK had reported a little more than four thousand cases.

The seven day total stood at close to 36,000, down by almost eight per cent.

On Sunday, the city of London recorded zero daily deaths in a single day for the first time in more than six months.

Earlier this week, the UK began easing the lockdown with people being allowed to gather in groups of six in public spaces.&nbsp;

Even the queen of England was out and about again after having got the jab in January.

There is enough real-world evidence now that proves the effectiveness of vaccines.

The shots not only protect against symptoms but also reduce the spread of the virus.

The only problem is there is not enough to go around. 
&nbsp;

There is a worldwide surge in cases as the coronavirus is spreading faster. The differentiation will be vaccines. Watch | Countries that vaccinate their population in larger numbers will see a drop in case and the ones which lag behind will see a surge.

There is a worldwide surge in cases as the coronavirus is spreading faster. The differentiation will be vaccines. Watch | Countries that vaccinate their population in larger numbers will see a drop in case and the ones which lag behind will see a surge. Our report shows how vaccines have made a difference in Israel and the United Kingdom. Also read | Concerns rise worldwide as coronavirus restarts striking harder Israel enjoyed some normalcy on Passover this year. An open-air shopping centre was alive again, people are filling up restaurants and hotels, museums and theatres are back in business. The situation was very different last year and businesses had to shut their doors. There were checkpoints on the roads and people were confined to their homes just like the rest of the world But, Israel has accomplished a major turnaround because of the vaccines. Reports say Israel's active cases are now down to their lowest level since June 2020. With serious infections dipping below 400, that's a three-month low. Israel has vaccinated more than half of its population and the jabs are working. Symptomatic infections dropped by 94 per cent in 600,000 people who have got two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The same group is also 92 per cent less likely to develop severe illness from the virus. The story of the UK Britain too seems to have tamed the virus with vaccines. In January, the UK was struggling as a surge driven by a new strain of the virus had forced the country to impose a third national lockdown. By January 5, the country had recorded more than 50,000 cases for seven straight days. The UK approved two vaccines, the Pfizer shot that is being supplied from Belgium and the Oxford vaccine that is Made in Britain. Now more than 50 per cent of people out of a population of more than 66 million have got at least one shot, making the British vaccine roll out the fastest in Europe. The benefits are evident as the new infections are substantially down. On Tuesday, the UK had reported a little more than four thousand cases. The seven day total stood at close to 36,000, down by almost eight per cent. On Sunday, the city of London recorded zero daily deaths in a single day for the first time in more than six months. Earlier this week, the UK began easing the lockdown with people being allowed to gather in groups of six in public spaces. Even the queen of England was out and about again after having got the jab in January. There is enough real-world evidence now that proves the effectiveness of vaccines. The shots not only protect against symptoms but also reduce the spread of the virus. The only problem is there is not enough to go around.

Two success stories that substantiate vaccination is a silver lining

The United Kingdom and Israel have administered at least one shot to more than 50% of their population. New cases and deaths have declined and restrictions are being lifted. WION's Palki tells you why countries need to ramp up their vaccinations.

Gravitas: UK & Israel vaccinated over 50% of their population. Here is the result

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that it had detected four new cases of the&nbsp;strain of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-emerges-as-new-hotspot-in-uk-1-in-85-people-infected-352089">coronavirus </a>that had emerged from South Africa and reported in England as it announced third national lockdown this year to combat the virus.

Watch:

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The government has moved to ban foreign nationals arriving from Britain, South Africa and Denmark. The health authorities also imposed mandatory quarantine for all arrivals from abroad.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed citizens that a new lockdown will be imposed from Sunday lasting two weeks.

"There is an option to extend the lockdown for an additional two weeks unless the basic reproduction number (for the virus) falls below 1 and the number of new cases per day falls below 1,000," PM &nbsp;Netanyahu said even as the country began its vaccination drive.

The lockdown can be extended with final cabinet approval. Israel 385,000 coronavirus cases and 3,150 fatalities. The new lockdown measures include the closure of shops, partial lockdown of schools with people allowed to travel just one kilometre from their home.

Businesses have also ordered to be closed except for deliveries. Israel had lockdown last in September as cases dipped, however, it has the number of COVID-19 cases has been rising in the past month with the country recording the highest per capita infection rate in the world.

The restrictions include not more than ten people to be present in places of worship and in closed places with a hundred people allowed to congregate in open areas.&nbsp;

The new lockdown measures come even as the country prepares for another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-election-take-four-conservatives-vs-conservatives-352064">election</a> for the fourth time in two years amid public anger over Netanyahu's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that it had detected four new cases of the strain of coronavirus that had emerged from South Africa and reported in England as it announced third national lockdown this year to combat the virus.

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that it had detected four new cases of the strain of coronavirus that had emerged from South Africa and reported in England as it announced third national lockdown this year to combat the virus. Watch: The government has moved to ban foreign nationals arriving from Britain, South Africa and Denmark. The health authorities also imposed mandatory quarantine for all arrivals from abroad. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed citizens that a new lockdown will be imposed from Sunday lasting two weeks. "There is an option to extend the lockdown for an additional two weeks unless the basic reproduction number (for the virus) falls below 1 and the number of new cases per day falls below 1,000," PM Netanyahu said even as the country began its vaccination drive. The lockdown can be extended with final cabinet approval. Israel 385,000 coronavirus cases and 3,150 fatalities. The new lockdown measures include the closure of shops, partial lockdown of schools with people allowed to travel just one kilometre from their home. Businesses have also ordered to be closed except for deliveries. Israel had lockdown last in September as cases dipped, however, it has the number of COVID-19 cases has been rising in the past month with the country recording the highest per capita infection rate in the world. The restrictions include not more than ten people to be present in places of worship and in closed places with a hundred people allowed to congregate in open areas. The new lockdown measures come even as the country prepares for another election for the fourth time in two years amid public anger over Netanyahu's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israel imposes another lockdown after detecting new COVID-19 strain