The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel at present for attending 'landmark' talks. Iran Nuclear deal is also on the agenda.

Historic Israeli-Arab summit: Antony Blinken attempts to pacify miffed allies

U.S. Secretary of state Antony Blinken met Israeli PM Naftali Bennett and issued a joint statement over the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Naftali Bennett said, "Israel stands with the people of Ukraine."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Israeli PM Naftali Bennett

Historic Israel-Arab summit: Antony Blinken attempts to pacify miffed allies

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlights Israel's role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's statement on Arab-Israeli relations

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel for 'landmark' talks

Israel has opened a humanitarian field hospital in western Ukraine, where it has been treating people affected by the war raging in the country. WION's Jodie Cohen tells you more in this report.

Israel opens a humanitarian field hospital in west Ukraine

A knife-wielding Arab man killed 4 people in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba. As per police, he was shot dead by armed locals.

Attack in southern Israel leaves 4 dead, Knife-wielding Arab man stabs several

US state department spokesman Ned Price said, "We are close to a possible deal, but we're not there yet. I want to be clear that an agreement is neither imminent nor is it certain."

US says less optimistic about reaching nuclear deal with Iran

Leaders of Egypt, Israel and UAE met on Tuesday for talks. In the three-way summit, the focus will be on the economic impact of Russia-Ukraine war.

Egypt, Israel and UAE leaders meet for their first ever three-way summit

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will be visiting India on April 2. This will be Bennett's first official visit to India. He is expected to meet PM Modi, and discuss trade, security, and Ukraine with him. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Israel's PM Naftali Bennett to visit India

Ukraine President Zelensky has compared the Russian invasion to Nazi Germany during his address in front of Israel lawmakers.

Ukraine President Zelensky makes Holocaust comparisons while addressing the Israeli parliament

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is all set to visit India on April 4.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart last met on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, UK, in November last year.

The visit comes at a time when both countries are celebrating 30 years of establishment of diplomatic ties.

India and Israel established full diplomatic relations on January 29, 1992, and earlier this year a commemorative logo was launched to mark the occasion.

The logo features the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra and forms the numeral 30 depicting the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations.

February saw the iconic buildings in India— the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in Delhi—and Israel’s Masada Fortress being lit up in Indian and Israeli flag colours.

The Ukraine crisis will likely be discussed during the visit. Indian and Israeli PMs have engaged with Russian and Ukrainian leadership over the crisis.

PM Bennett was in Moscow in a surprise visit, while PM Modi and Russian President Putin have spoken three times since February 24, the day Moscow's invasion of Ukraine started.

Relations between India and Israel have been strengthened under PM Modi's government.

Last year,&nbsp;several high-level dignitaries visited&nbsp;Israel, including External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar (October 2021), Indian Army Chief Gen&nbsp;MM&nbsp;Naravane (Nov 2021) and the former Air Chief RKS Bhadauria (August 2021).

PM Modi had visited Israel in 2017, during which the relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership.

In response, the then prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, visited India in 2018.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015 while Israeli President Reuven Rivlin was in India in November 2016.

Defence, agriculture, and trade, among others, have been the key pillars of the relationship between the two countries.

Indian forces have participated in the multilateral airforce exercise ‘Blue Flag 2021’ held in October in Israel.

Both countries have restarted negotiations for the free trade agreement, which is expected to conclude by mid-2022. India is Israel's third-largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh-largest globally.

The visit comes amid a number of high-level visits to New Delhi as Covid crisis abates.

The Japanese Prime Minister Fumio is currently in Delhi, and a number of ministers from other countries, including Austria, Oman, Greece, the UK, and Mexico, will also land in Delhi.

India and China are discussing&nbsp;to facilitate the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is all set to visit India on April 4. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart last met on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, UK, in November last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is all set to visit India on April 4. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart last met on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, UK, in November last year. The visit comes at a time when both countries are celebrating 30 years of establishment of diplomatic ties. India and Israel established full diplomatic relations on January 29, 1992, and earlier this year a commemorative logo was launched to mark the occasion. The logo features the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra and forms the numeral 30 depicting the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations. February saw the iconic buildings in India— the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in Delhi—and Israel’s Masada Fortress being lit up in Indian and Israeli flag colours. The Ukraine crisis will likely be discussed during the visit. Indian and Israeli PMs have engaged with Russian and Ukrainian leadership over the crisis. PM Bennett was in Moscow in a surprise visit, while PM Modi and Russian President Putin have spoken three times since February 24, the day Moscow's invasion of Ukraine started. Relations between India and Israel have been strengthened under PM Modi's government. Last year, several high-level dignitaries visited Israel, including External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar (October 2021), Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane (Nov 2021) and the former Air Chief RKS Bhadauria (August 2021). PM Modi had visited Israel in 2017, during which the relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership. In response, the then prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, visited India in 2018. Indian President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015 while Israeli President Reuven Rivlin was in India in November 2016. Defence, agriculture, and trade, among others, have been the key pillars of the relationship between the two countries. Indian forces have participated in the multilateral airforce exercise ‘Blue Flag 2021’ held in October in Israel. Both countries have restarted negotiations for the free trade agreement, which is expected to conclude by mid-2022. India is Israel's third-largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh-largest globally. The visit comes amid a number of high-level visits to New Delhi as Covid crisis abates. The Japanese Prime Minister Fumio is currently in Delhi, and a number of ministers from other countries, including Austria, Oman, Greece, the UK, and Mexico, will also land in Delhi. India and China are discussing to facilitate the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to visit India on April 4

Zelensky compares Russian invasion to Nazi Germany during his address in front of Israeli lawmakers

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky is all set to address Israeli lawmakers virtually. So, what is Israel's stand in the Conflict? Watch this report to find out.

Special room set up in Knesset for Zelesnky's speech in front of Israel's lawmakers

Ukraine President Zelensky to virtually address Israeli lawmakers amid the ongoing Russian invasion

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett confirmed that he will pay his official visit to India in April. This visit is to focus on strategic alliance between the two countries.

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to visit India after invitation by PM Modi

A new COVID-19 variant was first found in Israel and now, it has spread to several other countries including Cambodia, India, Thailand, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Although the variant is spreading quite quickly, experts said that there is no need to worry as it is not considered lethal.<o:p></o:p>

Here’s everything we know about the new BA2.2 COVID-19 variant -<o:p></o:p>

The new variant is the combination of two Omicron sub-variants namely BA.1 and BA.2 and although it is being studied all around the world, Hong Kong scientists are currently calling it BA2.2.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-first-covid-19-deaths-in-more-than-a-year-463705">China reports first COVID-19 deaths in more than a year</a>

The Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data is trying to obtain more data in order to understand the strain better. Two COVID strains combining into a new variant is a common phenomenon, Israel’s Chief COVID Officer Salman Zarka said, adding that when there are two viruses in the same cell and it multiplies, “they exchange genetic material, creating a new virus.”<o:p></o:p>

What is the origin of the new variant?<o:p></o:p>

The variant was first found in Israel when two returning passengers tested positive at the Ben Gurion airport. Since then, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) reported three cases in Maharashtra, Puducherry and Ladakh. Similar cases were found in Cambodia, Thailand and Hong Kong while there were unconfirmed reports of the BA2.2 variant finding its way to United Kingdom. <o:p></o:p>

“It’s likely that they [the arriving passengers who tested positive] were infected before boarding the flight in Israel. The variant could have emerged here. We don’t know what it means yet,” Israeli Health Ministry Director-General Nachman Ash said in an interview with Israel’s Army Radio.<o:p></o:p>

However, Hong Kong researchers believe that the outbreak came from their country and The Centre for Medical Genomics at Mahidol University claimed the same in their Facebook post.<o:p></o:p>

What are the symptoms of the infection?<o:p></o:p>

The reported symptoms till now are mild symptoms of fever, headache and muscle dystrophy.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/final-game-changer-united-kingdom-ends-coronavirus-travel-restrictions-463566" hreflang="en">'Final game-changer': United Kingdom ends coronavirus travel restrictions</a>

"The two cases of the combined strain, which have been discovered so far, suffered from mild symptoms of fever, headaches and muscle dystrophy, and do not require a special medical response," the Israel health authorities said in an official statement.<o:p></o:p>

How concerning is the new variant? <o:p></o:p>

The Israel health authorities have downplayed the new variant and they believe that the current evidence shows that it is not an extremely harmful variant.<o:p></o:p>

"The phenomenon of combined variants is well known," Israel's pandemic response chief, Salman Zarka told Army Radio. "At this stage, we are not worried about it leading to serious cases".<o:p></o:p>

A new COVID-19 variant was first found in Israel and now, it has spread to several other countries including Cambodia, India, Thailand, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

A new COVID-19 variant was first found in Israel and now, it has spread to several other countries including Cambodia, India, Thailand, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Although the variant is spreading quite quickly, experts said that there is no need to worry as it is not considered lethal. Here’s everything we know about the new BA2.2 COVID-19 variant - The new variant is the combination of two Omicron sub-variants namely BA.1 and BA.2 and although it is being studied all around the world, Hong Kong scientists are currently calling it BA2.2. Also read | China reports first COVID-19 deaths in more than a year The Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data is trying to obtain more data in order to understand the strain better. Two COVID strains combining into a new variant is a common phenomenon, Israel’s Chief COVID Officer Salman Zarka said, adding that when there are two viruses in the same cell and it multiplies, “they exchange genetic material, creating a new virus.” What is the origin of the new variant? The variant was first found in Israel when two returning passengers tested positive at the Ben Gurion airport. Since then, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) reported three cases in Maharashtra, Puducherry and Ladakh. Similar cases were found in Cambodia, Thailand and Hong Kong while there were unconfirmed reports of the BA2.2 variant finding its way to United Kingdom. “It’s likely that they [the arriving passengers who tested positive] were infected before boarding the flight in Israel. The variant could have emerged here. We don’t know what it means yet,” Israeli Health Ministry Director-General Nachman Ash said in an interview with Israel’s Army Radio. However, Hong Kong researchers believe that the outbreak came from their country and The Centre for Medical Genomics at Mahidol University claimed the same in their Facebook post. What are the symptoms of the infection? The reported symptoms till now are mild symptoms of fever, headache and muscle dystrophy. Also read | 'Final game-changer': United Kingdom ends coronavirus travel restrictions "The two cases of the combined strain, which have been discovered so far, suffered from mild symptoms of fever, headaches and muscle dystrophy, and do not require a special medical response," the Israel health authorities said in an official statement. How concerning is the new variant? The Israel health authorities have downplayed the new variant and they believe that the current evidence shows that it is not an extremely harmful variant. "The phenomenon of combined variants is well known," Israel's pandemic response chief, Salman Zarka told Army Radio. "At this stage, we are not worried about it leading to serious cases".

Everything we know about new COVID-19 variant found in multiple countries

After Israel & Turkey, South Africa has offered to mediate in the Ukraine Conflict. But South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has blamed the crisis on NATO'S expansion. How then can the country broker peace? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: South Africa, Israel and Turkey offer mediation

Turkey and Israel is acting as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. More and more countries are trying to solve the conflict, but the question remains same, 'can mediation help solve the Ukraine crisis' ?

Ukraine War update: Turkey & Israel offers to host Presidents of Ukraine and Russia

The Israeli health ministry has said that they have found two people who were apparently carrying a coronavirus (COVID-19) strain that combined the original Omicron and the so-called "stealth" BA.2 variant.&nbsp;

A report published by The Times Of Israel on Wednesday (March 16) quoted the ministry as saying that "this strain has not yet been seen in the world".

The ministry further noted that the cases were found "in recent days" while testing international arriving travellers at Ben Gurion Airport.&nbsp;

The ministry further states that the two cases have not required special medical care as they are suffering mild symptoms.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-to-reopen-borders-after-nearly-two-years-of-covid-isolation-462820">New Zealand to reopen borders after nearly two years of Covid isolation</a>

Early research suggests "stealth omicron," or the B.A.2 lineage of the omicron variant spreads faster than the original omicron, which itself spread faster than the original virus and other variants.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioNTech announced Tuesday (March 15) they had formally asked the United States drug regulator for emergency approval of a second booster shot of their Covid vaccine for people aged 65 and older.

The companies said in a press statement that their request is based on two Israeli studies that show "an additional mRNA booster increases immunogenicity and lowers rates of confirmed infections and severe illness."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/47-million-southeast-asians-plunge-into-extreme-poverty-after-the-pandemic-asian-development-bank-462728">4.7 million Southeast Asians plunge into extreme poverty after the pandemic</a>

Leaving a few countries like China, most countries' case levels have significantly declined from record levels during the Omicron wave.&nbsp;

The first Israeli study cited by Pfizer and BioNTech showed that "rates of confirmed infections were 2 times lower and rates of severe illness were 4 times lower among individuals who received an additional booster dose," compared to those who only had one.

The second study - an analysis of Israeli healthcare workers 18 years and older - showed that antibody levels in those who received a second booster were significantly higher than those who did not.

The Israeli health ministry has said that they have found two people who were apparently carrying a coronavirus (COVID-19) strain that combined the original Omicron and the so-called "stealth" BA.

The Israeli health ministry has said that they have found two people who were apparently carrying a coronavirus (COVID-19) strain that combined the original Omicron and the so-called "stealth" BA.2 variant. A report published by The Times Of Israel on Wednesday (March 16) quoted the ministry as saying that "this strain has not yet been seen in the world". The ministry further noted that the cases were found "in recent days" while testing international arriving travellers at Ben Gurion Airport. The ministry further states that the two cases have not required special medical care as they are suffering mild symptoms. ALSO READ | New Zealand to reopen borders after nearly two years of Covid isolation Early research suggests "stealth omicron," or the B.A.2 lineage of the omicron variant spreads faster than the original omicron, which itself spread faster than the original virus and other variants. Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioNTech announced Tuesday (March 15) they had formally asked the United States drug regulator for emergency approval of a second booster shot of their Covid vaccine for people aged 65 and older. The companies said in a press statement that their request is based on two Israeli studies that show "an additional mRNA booster increases immunogenicity and lowers rates of confirmed infections and severe illness." ALSO READ | 4.7 million Southeast Asians plunge into extreme poverty after the pandemic Leaving a few countries like China, most countries' case levels have significantly declined from record levels during the Omicron wave. The first Israeli study cited by Pfizer and BioNTech showed that "rates of confirmed infections were 2 times lower and rates of severe illness were 4 times lower among individuals who received an additional booster dose," compared to those who only had one. The second study - an analysis of Israeli healthcare workers 18 years and older - showed that antibody levels in those who received a second booster were significantly higher than those who did not.

Israel reports new coronavirus variant

Israel has detected cases of a new COVID-19 variant that is a hybrid of Delta and Omicron. The new strain is a combination of 2 Omicron subvariants, i.e. BA.1 and BA.2, and was reported during PCR tests on two passengers arriving at Israel's Ben Gurion airport.

Report: Combo strain 'Deltacron' detected in Israel

Israel has reported two cases of the new COVID-19 variant after it was recorded during the PCR tests of two passengers arriving at the country’s Ben Gurion Airport. While this finding has given rise to fresh fears around the world, health officials in Israel played down the risks of this new variant.<o:p></o:p>

Here’s a look at everything that we know about the new COVID-19 variant –<o:p></o:p>

Combination of two variants – The Omicron variant of COVID-19 was responsible for a huge number of cases all around the world. The new strain found in Israel is the combination of two Omicron sub-variants namely BA.1 and BA.2. There is no official name given to this variant yet.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strain-hasnt-yet-been-seen-in-world-israel-reports-confirmed-cases-of-combined-omicron-and-ba2-strain-462847">Israel reports new coronavirus variant</a><o:p></o:p>

What are the symptoms - The patients have reported mild symptoms of fever, headache and muscle dystrophy. Both patients were teenagers and they did not require any kind of medical intervention.<o:p></o:p>

"The two cases of the combined strain, which have been discovered so far, suffered from mild symptoms of fever, headaches and muscle dystrophy, and do not require a special medical response," the Israel health authorities said in an official statement.<o:p></o:p>

Source of the variant – The Israel health ministry were unable to confirm the source of the new COVID-19 variant and according to director-general Nachman Ash, the two passengers could have been infected even before boarding the flight. Hence, the source remains unknown at present.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-more-than-600000-covid-cases-amid-omicron-surge-463065">South Korea reports more than 600,000 Covid cases amid Omicron surge</a><o:p></o:p>

How concerning is the new variant – The Israel health authorities have downplayed the new variant and they believe that the current evidence&nbsp;shows that it is not an extremely harmful variant.

"The phenomenon of combined variants is well known," Israel's pandemic response chief, Salman Zarka told Army Radio. "At this stage, we are not worried about it leading to serious cases".<o:p></o:p>

Watch |&nbsp;Report: Combo strain 'Deltacron' detected in Israel<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-combo-strain-deltacron-detected-in-israel-463017/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has reported two cases of the new COVID-19 variant after it was recorded during the PCR tests of two passengers arriving at the country’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Israel has reported two cases of the new COVID-19 variant after it was recorded during the PCR tests of two passengers arriving at the country’s Ben Gurion Airport. While this finding has given rise to fresh fears around the world, health officials in Israel played down the risks of this new variant. Here’s a look at everything that we know about the new COVID-19 variant – Combination of two variants – The Omicron variant of COVID-19 was responsible for a huge number of cases all around the world. The new strain found in Israel is the combination of two Omicron sub-variants namely BA.1 and BA.2. There is no official name given to this variant yet. Also read | Israel reports new coronavirus variant What are the symptoms - The patients have reported mild symptoms of fever, headache and muscle dystrophy. Both patients were teenagers and they did not require any kind of medical intervention. "The two cases of the combined strain, which have been discovered so far, suffered from mild symptoms of fever, headaches and muscle dystrophy, and do not require a special medical response," the Israel health authorities said in an official statement. Source of the variant – The Israel health ministry were unable to confirm the source of the new COVID-19 variant and according to director-general Nachman Ash, the two passengers could have been infected even before boarding the flight. Hence, the source remains unknown at present. Also read | South Korea reports more than 600,000 Covid cases amid Omicron surge How concerning is the new variant – The Israel health authorities have downplayed the new variant and they believe that the current evidence shows that it is not an extremely harmful variant. "The phenomenon of combined variants is well known," Israel's pandemic response chief, Salman Zarka told Army Radio. "At this stage, we are not worried about it leading to serious cases". Watch | Report: Combo strain 'Deltacron' detected in Israel (With inputs from agencies)

Everything we know about the new COVID-19 variant found in Israel

The world's attention is rightly focused on the war in Ukraine, however there are a number of other conflicts still raging across the world. Tensions have been increasing in between Iran and Israel. Watch this report.

War between Wars: Tensions between Iran and Israel intensifies

According to Iranian state media report, Iranian authorities have thwarted a planned sabotage at the country's key nuclear enrichment plant.

Iran accuses Israel of planning sabotage on Fordow nuclear plant

As War continues to rage on in Ukraine it looks like Turkey and Israel are focusing on bilateral relations. They are attempting to renew ties between the two states. These ties have been marked with tensions over the past decades of so, with Turkey criticizing Israel's policy in Palestinian. Israel has been upset with Turkey for supporting Hamas.

Israel-Turkey hope to renew ties; Turkey hopes to revive a troubled economy | Latest World News

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, children have been defenceless victims of war. Israel has evacuated 10 children with life-threatening diseases from Kyiv hospital.

Children with life-threatening diseases from Kyiv hospital evacuated to Israel

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israeli PM Naftali Bennett met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Moscow. The leaders discussed Ukraine crisis.

Israel PM Bennett holds talks with Russian President Putin & Ukraine President Zelensky amid crisis

Israel PM Naftali Bennett & Russian President Vladimir Putin hold talks in Moscow on Ukraine crisis

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israeli PM Naftali Bennett met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Kremlin. The leaders discussed Ukraine crisis.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Israeli PM Naftali Bennett meets Russian President Putin at Kremlin

An Israeli couple has asked for government to help in rescuing a surrogate mother carrying their child in Ukraine.

Israeli couple asks govt to rescue surrogate mother stuck in Ukraine | Russian invasion

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