Art rather than ostentation is the rationale behind the world's most expensive coronavirus mask, say the Israeli jewellers who are crafting the $1.5 million object for an unnamed U.S.-based client.

A close look at $1.5 million golden COVID mask 

US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and the United Arab Emirates will be signing a historic peace deal to normalize relations between the two nations. Watch report.

UAE, Israel announce historic peace deal | Trump brokers historic Abraham accords | World News

The world leaders have adopted a wait and watch approach to the new peace deal between Israel and UAE. While most countries have welcomed the effort. Watch report.

World reactions to Israel-UAE peace deal

Israel said its military struck Hamas militant sites in the Gaza Strip early Thursday &nbsp;in response to Palestinians in the enclave launching incendiary balloons that have torched tracts of farmland on the Israeli frontier.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars and numerous smaller flareups since the Islamic militant group seized control of Gaza in 2007. Militants in Islamist Hamas-ruled Gaza in recent days have launched dozens of helium balloons laden with incendiary material in a bid to pressure Israel to ease its blockade of the Strip and allow new economic projects.

The military said its targets included a compound used by Hamas' naval force and underground infrastructure and observation posts. There were no immediate reports of casualties on either side.

Israel also said it would stop shipments of fuel into Gaza.

Israel, which cites security threats from Hamas for its land and naval blockade, had earlier retaliated by closing the Strip's main commercial crossing and striking Hamas military facilities with warplanes, attack helicopters and tanks.

A ceasefire deal brokered last year by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations following a deadly surge in violence was to see Israel allow new development projects, including an industrial zone and a hospital.

Hamas has accused Israel of not fully complying with those understandings. Israel, which deems Hamas a terrorist organisation, shuns direct negotiations and has never publicly acknowledged the deal.

On Wednesday, Israel reduced the area where it permits Palestinians to fish from 15 miles (24 km) to eight miles (13 km), calling it a response to the balloon launches.

(with inputs from agencies)

Israel said its military struck Hamas militant sites in the Gaza Strip early Thursday in response to Palestinians in the enclave launching incendiary balloons that have torched tracts of farmland on the Israeli frontier.

Israel said its military struck Hamas militant sites in the Gaza Strip early Thursday in response to Palestinians in the enclave launching incendiary balloons that have torched tracts of farmland on the Israeli frontier. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars and numerous smaller flareups since the Islamic militant group seized control of Gaza in 2007. Militants in Islamist Hamas-ruled Gaza in recent days have launched dozens of helium balloons laden with incendiary material in a bid to pressure Israel to ease its blockade of the Strip and allow new economic projects. The military said its targets included a compound used by Hamas' naval force and underground infrastructure and observation posts. There were no immediate reports of casualties on either side. Israel also said it would stop shipments of fuel into Gaza. Israel, which cites security threats from Hamas for its land and naval blockade, had earlier retaliated by closing the Strip's main commercial crossing and striking Hamas military facilities with warplanes, attack helicopters and tanks. A ceasefire deal brokered last year by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations following a deadly surge in violence was to see Israel allow new development projects, including an industrial zone and a hospital. Hamas has accused Israel of not fully complying with those understandings. Israel, which deems Hamas a terrorist organisation, shuns direct negotiations and has never publicly acknowledged the deal. On Wednesday, Israel reduced the area where it permits Palestinians to fish from 15 miles (24 km) to eight miles (13 km), calling it a response to the balloon launches. (with inputs from agencies)

Israel strikes Gaza militant sites after incendiary balloons

Israel and the United Arab Emirates reached a historic peace deal on Thursday that will lead to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern nations.

West Asia Peace Deal: Israel, UAE strike historic deal to normalise relations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday&nbsp;praised the historic peace deal between his country and United Arab Emirates by calling it&nbsp;start of a ''new era''.

Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, senior White House officials said.

The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-peace-agreement-between-israel-uae-320287" hreflang="en">Trump announces 'peace agreement' between Israel, UAE</a>

The agreement was sealed in a phone call on Thursday between Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

The officials described the agreement, to be known as the Abraham Accords, as the first of its kind since Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994. It also gives Trump a foreign policy success as he seeks re-election on November&nbsp;3.

White House officials said Trump senior adviser Jared Kushner, US&nbsp;Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz were deeply involved in negotiating the deal, as well as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien.

A joint statement issued by the three nations said the three leaders had "agreed to the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates."

Delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications and other issues, the statement said.

The two countries are expected soon to exchange ambassadors and embassies.

The agreement envisions giving Muslims greater access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem by allowing them to fly from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv, White House officials said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday praised the historic peace deal between his country and United Arab Emirates by calling it start of a ''new era''.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday praised the historic peace deal between his country and United Arab Emirates by calling it start of a ''new era''. Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, senior White House officials said. The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said. Also read: Trump announces 'peace agreement' between Israel, UAE The agreement was sealed in a phone call on Thursday between Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi. The officials described the agreement, to be known as the Abraham Accords, as the first of its kind since Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty in 1994. It also gives Trump a foreign policy success as he seeks re-election on November 3. White House officials said Trump senior adviser Jared Kushner, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Middle East envoy Avi Berkowitz were deeply involved in negotiating the deal, as well as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien. A joint statement issued by the three nations said the three leaders had "agreed to the full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates." Delegations from Israel and the United Arab Emirates will meet in the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications and other issues, the statement said. The two countries are expected soon to exchange ambassadors and embassies. The agreement envisions giving Muslims greater access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem by allowing them to fly from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv, White House officials said.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hails peace deal with UAE

World leaders on Thursday&nbsp;praised the historic peace deal between his country and United Arab Emirates that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump helped broker.

Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, senior White House officials said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-peace-agreement-between-israel-uae-320287" hreflang="en">Trump announces 'peace agreement' between Israel, UAE</a>

The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said.

The normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel is a "HUGE breakthrough" Trump tweeted, calling it a "Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends."

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HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1293922936609546240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-hails-peace-deal-with-uae-320298">Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hails peace deal with UAE</a>

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp;hailed "a historic day"&nbsp;after the announcement of the agreement.

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יום היסטורי 🇮🇱 <a href="https://t.co/4mD6DzoTvE">https://t.co/4mD6DzoTvE</a>
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1293924443086114819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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UAE's&nbsp;Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said ''Most countries will see this as a bold step to secure a two-state solution, allowing time for negotiations.''

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took to Twitter to praise&nbsp;the&nbsp;US-brokered deal&nbsp;that would halt Israeli annexation of Palestinian land.

"I read with interest and great appreciation the joint statement between the United States, the brotherly United Arab Emirates and Israel concerning the halt of Israel's annexation of Palestinian land," Sisi said in a tweet, adding that this would help bring "peace" to the Middle East.

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تابعت بإهتمام و تقدير بالغ البيان المشترك الثلاثي بين الولايات المتحدة الامريكية و دولة الامارات العربية الشقيقة وإسرائيل حول الاتفاق علي ايقاف ضم إسرائيل للاراضي الفلسطينية ..١/٢
— Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlsisiOfficial/status/1293935489569914882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Congratulations to Israel and UAE for reaching a historic agreement that establishes full diplomatic relations between the two nations. Israel deserves diplomatic recognition from its neighbors and this is a critical step to contain Iranian aggression against both nations.
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1293938598451064834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, the Gaza Strip's Islamist leaders Hamas&nbsp;rejected the agreement saying, it ''does not serve Palestinian cause.''

World leaders on Thursday praised the historic peace deal between his country and United Arab Emirates that US President Donald Trump helped broker. Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, senior White House officials said.

World leaders on Thursday praised the historic peace deal between his country and United Arab Emirates that US President Donald Trump helped broker. Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, senior White House officials said. Also read: Trump announces 'peace agreement' between Israel, UAE The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said. The normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel is a "HUGE breakthrough" Trump tweeted, calling it a "Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends." HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2020 × Also read: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hails peace deal with UAE Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed "a historic day" after the announcement of the agreement. יום היסטורי 🇮🇱 https://t.co/4mD6DzoTvE — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) August 13, 2020 × UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said ''Most countries will see this as a bold step to secure a two-state solution, allowing time for negotiations.'' Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took to Twitter to praise the US-brokered deal that would halt Israeli annexation of Palestinian land. "I read with interest and great appreciation the joint statement between the United States, the brotherly United Arab Emirates and Israel concerning the halt of Israel's annexation of Palestinian land," Sisi said in a tweet, adding that this would help bring "peace" to the Middle East. تابعت بإهتمام و تقدير بالغ البيان المشترك الثلاثي بين الولايات المتحدة الامريكية و دولة الامارات العربية الشقيقة وإسرائيل حول الاتفاق علي ايقاف ضم إسرائيل للاراضي الفلسطينية ..١/٢ — Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) August 13, 2020 × Congratulations to Israel and UAE for reaching a historic agreement that establishes full diplomatic relations between the two nations. Israel deserves diplomatic recognition from its neighbors and this is a critical step to contain Iranian aggression against both nations. — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) August 13, 2020 × However, the Gaza Strip's Islamist leaders Hamas rejected the agreement saying, it ''does not serve Palestinian cause.''

World leaders welcome UAE-Israel peace deal and halt to annexation

Israel said on Wednesday it thwarted a cyber attack on its defence industry by a hacking group known as Lazarus, which the United States says is run by North Korean intelligence.

Israel’s Defence Ministry said hackers posing as potential employers sent job offers to defence workers trying to infiltrate their networks and gather sensitive information.

The group built fake profiles on the LinkedIn network to disguise its hackers and separately attempted to hack Israeli defence firms via their websites, the ministry statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rival-israels-aid-offer-to-lebanon-in-wake-of-explosion-unlikely-to-find-a-taker-319059">Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker</a>

The attacks were identified in real time and thwarted with no disruption to the companies’ networks, it added, without identifying the firms or saying when the incidents took place.

Israel said the group was backed by a foreign country, but did not name it. Washington has said Lazarus operates for the RGB, North Korea’s primary intelligence bureau.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-two-people-convicted-of-spying-for-israel-germany-britain-319703">Iran: Two people convicted of spying for Israel, Germany, Britain</a>

US&nbsp;prosecutors have accused the group of orchestrating the leak of emails from Sony Pictures in 2014 and stealing tens of millions of dollars from the Central Bank of Bangladesh in 2016.

North Korea’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pyongyang has in the past denied allegations of cyber-attacks and accused the United States of spreading rumours.

Since the start of the year, Israel has reported attempted cyber attacks on power stations and water utilities, with officials pointing the finger at Iran or Iranian-backed groups.

A fire last month at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site prompted some Iranian officials to say it was the result of cyber sabotage. Israel’s defence minister said his country was not “necessarily” behind every mysterious incident in Iran.

Israel said on Wednesday it thwarted a cyber attack on its defence industry by a hacking group known as Lazarus, which the United States says is run by North Korean intelligence.

Israel said on Wednesday it thwarted a cyber attack on its defence industry by a hacking group known as Lazarus, which the United States says is run by North Korean intelligence. Israel’s Defence Ministry said hackers posing as potential employers sent job offers to defence workers trying to infiltrate their networks and gather sensitive information. The group built fake profiles on the LinkedIn network to disguise its hackers and separately attempted to hack Israeli defence firms via their websites, the ministry statement said. Also read: Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker The attacks were identified in real time and thwarted with no disruption to the companies’ networks, it added, without identifying the firms or saying when the incidents took place. Israel said the group was backed by a foreign country, but did not name it. Washington has said Lazarus operates for the RGB, North Korea’s primary intelligence bureau. Also read: Iran: Two people convicted of spying for Israel, Germany, Britain US prosecutors have accused the group of orchestrating the leak of emails from Sony Pictures in 2014 and stealing tens of millions of dollars from the Central Bank of Bangladesh in 2016. North Korea’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pyongyang has in the past denied allegations of cyber-attacks and accused the United States of spreading rumours. Since the start of the year, Israel has reported attempted cyber attacks on power stations and water utilities, with officials pointing the finger at Iran or Iranian-backed groups. A fire last month at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site prompted some Iranian officials to say it was the result of cyber sabotage. Israel’s defence minister said his country was not “necessarily” behind every mysterious incident in Iran.

Israel thwarts cyber attack from North Korean cyber group on defence industry

Israel on Tuesday closed one of its main border crossings with the Gaza Strip after Palestinians launched incendiary balloons that set fire to areas on the Israeli frontier.

Israel closes Gaza crossing after Palestinians launch incendiary balloons

An Israeli jewellery company is working on what it says will be the world’s most expensive coronavirus mask

Israeli jeweller makes $1.5 million gold Coronavirus face mask

An Israeli jewelry company is working the world’s most expensive coronavirus mask, a gold, diamond-encrusted face-covering, with a price tag of $1.5 million.

World's most expensive COVID-19 mask: Made out of pure 18-karate white gold

Israeli police were deployed to protect protesters demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday after the convicted killer of a 1983 peace marcher called present-day demonstrators "germs" and hinted they could meet violent opposition.

Right-wing extremist Yona Avrushmi served 27 years in prison for hurling the hand grenade that killed activist and teacher Emil Grunzweig and wounded nine others during a Jerusalem protest against Israel's war in Lebanon.

On Friday night, he told private Israeli Channel 12 TV that he would not be going to Saturday's rally but there would be others who shared his love for Netanyahu and hatred of his opponents.

"There are young guys who can go there, they know what to do," he said.

Protest organisers took the comments seriously and said they had filed a police complaint against Avrushmi for incitement to violence.

"Germs, they're just germs," Avrushmi told Channel 12.

"I still hate them today and they hate me," he said. "They're bad people."

Shlomi Bachar, head of operations for Jerusalem police, said he had deployed uniformed and plainclothes officers along with "technological means" to secure Saturday's demonstration near Netanyahu's official residence in the city.

"Our main aim is to ensure the safe arrival and departure of the protesters," he told state-owned KAN 11 TV.

"We shall show zero tolerance for violence."

Speaking from the protest site Saturday evening as participants were still arriving, he estimated the crowd at "a few thousand" people.

In previous weeks, protester numbers have climbed sharply as the evening progressed.

Demonstrators in the upscale seaside community of Caesarea, where Netanyahu has a private home, reported a heavy police presence there too.

Protests demanding that Netanyahu resign over several corruption indictments and his handling of the novel coronavirus crisis have been mounting in recent weeks and the premier has been scathing in his counter-attack.

Last week, he accused Channel 12 and another private station, Channel 13, of "delivering propaganda for the anarchist left-wing demonstrations" by giving extensive coverage of the rallies.

On Sunday, a Jerusalem court slapped an order on his son Yair, restraining him from harassing individual protest leaders, after he tweeted their private addresses.

Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after restrictions were lifted starting in late April. Netanyahu has himself acknowledged that the economy was re-opened too quickly.

The country of some nine million people has so far recorded over 82,000 confirmed cases, including nearly 600 deaths.

Israeli police were deployed to protect protesters demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday after the convicted killer of a 1983 peace marcher called present-day demonstrators "germs" and hinted they could meet violent opposition.

Israeli police were deployed to protect protesters demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday after the convicted killer of a 1983 peace marcher called present-day demonstrators "germs" and hinted they could meet violent opposition. Right-wing extremist Yona Avrushmi served 27 years in prison for hurling the hand grenade that killed activist and teacher Emil Grunzweig and wounded nine others during a Jerusalem protest against Israel's war in Lebanon. On Friday night, he told private Israeli Channel 12 TV that he would not be going to Saturday's rally but there would be others who shared his love for Netanyahu and hatred of his opponents. "There are young guys who can go there, they know what to do," he said. Protest organisers took the comments seriously and said they had filed a police complaint against Avrushmi for incitement to violence. "Germs, they're just germs," Avrushmi told Channel 12. "I still hate them today and they hate me," he said. "They're bad people." Shlomi Bachar, head of operations for Jerusalem police, said he had deployed uniformed and plainclothes officers along with "technological means" to secure Saturday's demonstration near Netanyahu's official residence in the city. "Our main aim is to ensure the safe arrival and departure of the protesters," he told state-owned KAN 11 TV. "We shall show zero tolerance for violence." Speaking from the protest site Saturday evening as participants were still arriving, he estimated the crowd at "a few thousand" people. In previous weeks, protester numbers have climbed sharply as the evening progressed. Demonstrators in the upscale seaside community of Caesarea, where Netanyahu has a private home, reported a heavy police presence there too. Protests demanding that Netanyahu resign over several corruption indictments and his handling of the novel coronavirus crisis have been mounting in recent weeks and the premier has been scathing in his counter-attack. Last week, he accused Channel 12 and another private station, Channel 13, of "delivering propaganda for the anarchist left-wing demonstrations" by giving extensive coverage of the rallies. On Sunday, a Jerusalem court slapped an order on his son Yair, restraining him from harassing individual protest leaders, after he tweeted their private addresses. Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after restrictions were lifted starting in late April. Netanyahu has himself acknowledged that the economy was re-opened too quickly. The country of some nine million people has so far recorded over 82,000 confirmed cases, including nearly 600 deaths.

Police guard anti-Netanyahu protesters after veiled threat

<section>
Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up.

Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's&nbsp;devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days.

The two neighbours are still technically at war, have no diplomatic ties and mutual suspicion, even animosity, defines their relations.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-capture-beirut-before-vs-after-devastating-blast-318562">Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast</a>

As Beirut reeled Tuesday after the monster blast at the port ripped across the city, many eyes were on Israel.

The military initially offered a traditional "no comment" to queries about the possible source of the explosion, until later a government source added: "Israel has nothing to do with this incident". Hours later the government offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

"Israel has turned to Lebanon through international security and political contacts to offer humanitarian and medical aid to the Lebanese government," a statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-show-of-support-israeli-square-bathed-in-lebanese-colors-over-beirut-blast-318473">In rare show of support, Israeli square bathed in Lebanese colors over Beirut blast</a>

As Beirut hospitals became overwhelmed by the influx of thousands of injured, Lebanon's government did not comment.

Aid has been streaming in from elsewhere, including from former power France and Iran, an ally of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement and key Israeli rival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hezbollah-leader-denies-storing-arms-at-beirut-blast-site-318967" hreflang="en">Lebanon's Hezbollah leader denies storing arms at Beirut blast site</a>

Israel and Hezbollah last fought a 33-day war in the summer of 2006 that devastated parts of the Lebanese capital and killed hundreds.

Government and diplomatic sources in Jerusalem say Israel has tried unsuccessfully since Tuesday to send medical equipment to Lebanon via the United Nations, which monitors a buffer zone between the two countries.

Israel even sought to dispatch medical personnel to Cyprus, where Beirut victims could be treated, according to the sources.

"It is a very human gesture," Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, told reporters. "It is a gesture that can bring the two nations together."

Yadlin blamed Hezbollah's backers in Tehran for the continuing air of hostility between Israel and Lebanon, insisting there was "no real dispute" between the neighbours.

"The only reason that there is no peace between Israel and Lebanon is the fact that Iran took over this small country through its proxy Hezbollah and they are inventing excuses to keep the conflict going," he claimed.

In Beirut, many have bitter memories of Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982, its occupation of the country's south until 2000 and the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians.

The fate of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees stuck in Lebanon for decades after fleeing or being driven out of their homes in waves following Israel's creation in 1948 is another thorny issue.

Longstanding demands for their return has remained a sticking point.

Traumatised by the blast that devastated their capital killing more than 150 people, injuring at least 5,000 and leaving some 300,000 homeless, the Lebanese paid little attention to Israel's offer, other than to ridicule it.&nbsp;
</section>

Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up. Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days.

Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up. Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days. The two neighbours are still technically at war, have no diplomatic ties and mutual suspicion, even animosity, defines their relations. Also see: Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast As Beirut reeled Tuesday after the monster blast at the port ripped across the city, many eyes were on Israel. The military initially offered a traditional "no comment" to queries about the possible source of the explosion, until later a government source added: "Israel has nothing to do with this incident". Hours later the government offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon. "Israel has turned to Lebanon through international security and political contacts to offer humanitarian and medical aid to the Lebanese government," a statement said. Also read: In rare show of support, Israeli square bathed in Lebanese colors over Beirut blast As Beirut hospitals became overwhelmed by the influx of thousands of injured, Lebanon's government did not comment. Aid has been streaming in from elsewhere, including from former power France and Iran, an ally of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement and key Israeli rival. Also read: Lebanon's Hezbollah leader denies storing arms at Beirut blast site Israel and Hezbollah last fought a 33-day war in the summer of 2006 that devastated parts of the Lebanese capital and killed hundreds. Government and diplomatic sources in Jerusalem say Israel has tried unsuccessfully since Tuesday to send medical equipment to Lebanon via the United Nations, which monitors a buffer zone between the two countries. Israel even sought to dispatch medical personnel to Cyprus, where Beirut victims could be treated, according to the sources. "It is a very human gesture," Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, told reporters. "It is a gesture that can bring the two nations together." Yadlin blamed Hezbollah's backers in Tehran for the continuing air of hostility between Israel and Lebanon, insisting there was "no real dispute" between the neighbours. "The only reason that there is no peace between Israel and Lebanon is the fact that Iran took over this small country through its proxy Hezbollah and they are inventing excuses to keep the conflict going," he claimed. In Beirut, many have bitter memories of Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982, its occupation of the country's south until 2000 and the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The fate of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees stuck in Lebanon for decades after fleeing or being driven out of their homes in waves following Israel's creation in 1948 is another thorny issue. Longstanding demands for their return has remained a sticking point. Traumatised by the blast that devastated their capital killing more than 150 people, injuring at least 5,000 and leaving some 300,000 homeless, the Lebanese paid little attention to Israel's offer, other than to ridicule it.

Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker

Israeli aircraft struck Syrian military targets on Monday, the Israeli army confirmed in a rare statement.

Israel strikes Syrian army bases after Golan heights attack

Israel-Syria tensions: IDF strikes military bases in Syria after Golan Heights attack

From biblical plague to modern day protein, one Israeli firm wants to make locusts a sustainable food choice in the Holy Land and beyond. &nbsp;

As for whether or not the insects are kosher, the answer is not so simple.

At Hargol Foodtech's farm in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, a rectangular enclosure that once served as a chicken coop is filled with thousands of locusts, a grasshopper species that has a highly destructive swarming phase. &nbsp;

Contained in a series of meticulously stacked, climate-controlled mesh cages, the insects are served wheatgrass through their three-month life-cycle, before being cooled, killed and baked.

Hargol's chief executive Dror Tamir told AFP that he grew up hearing stories of how locusts destroyed the fields of his kibbutz in the 1950s.

Yet the Yemenite Jews in the area did not view locusts as crop-ruining pests, but as an edible source of nutrients, Tamir recalled.

Grasshoppers the 'solution'&nbsp;

As an adult, Tamir became a food and nutrition entrepreneur increasingly concerned about the environmental cost of providing the world's growing population with enough animal protein.&nbsp;

Tamir said he founded Hargol -- Hebrew for grasshopper -- six and a half years ago after realizing the insects were the solution.&nbsp;

The company's goal is to be "the first in the world to grow grasshoppers on a commercial scale, and provide the world with a healthier and more sustainable source of protein".

Ram Reifen, a professor of human nutrition at Hebrew University, agreed that the planet is facing growing food supply challenges.&nbsp;

With Earth's population expected to hit 10 billion by 2050, raising livestock to feed the planet will become increasingly unsustainable, given the massive water and land resources required.&nbsp;

"The fear is there will be a scarcity of protein," Reifen told AFP.

'Yuck' factor&nbsp;

Tamir said that unprocessed locusts consist of more than 70 percent protein and contain all amino acids, along with other nutrients.&nbsp;

"What they do lack is saturated fat and cholesterol," he said. "They have the good stuff. They don't have the bad stuff."

According to his own estimate, around 2.5 billion people -- mainly in developing nations -- consume insects as part of their regular diet.&nbsp;

And, the "most widely-eaten insects in the world are grasshoppers," Tamir said.&nbsp;

But, he added, "when trying to target North American and European customers, it's really hard to overcome the 'yuck' factor".&nbsp;

To make their product more palatable to Westerners, Hargol turns locusts into powder, which can be mixed into various foods.

Tamir said they were about to launch sales of locust-enhanced pancake mix and smoothie powders worldwide.

Some goods produced in the Golan Heights face export restrictions, including strict labeling requirements, because most of the international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty in the area.

But Tamir said that while the locusts are grown in the Golan and another site in the Galilee, the powder is produced elsewhere within Israel, enabling him to avoid export restrictions.&nbsp;

Investor support has helped sustain the company before sales tick up, he added.&nbsp;

But is it kosher?&nbsp;

In the Bible, locusts&nbsp;appear in the Old Testament Book of Exodus as one of the Ten Plagues unleashed on the Egyptians to force the Pharaoh to free the Israelites from slavery.&nbsp;

In Leviticus, there is a passage stating that certain kinds of grasshopper, including locusts, are kosher.

Jews in Yemen and North Africa have been eating locusts for generations, but European, or Ashkenazi Jews have not.&nbsp;

Tamir said he hoped that he could bring locusts into mainstream Israeli cuisine by getting a kosher certification&nbsp;for his product from the country's chief rabbinate.&nbsp;

Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weisz, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Israel's top religious adjudication body, told AFP the "phenomenal issue" of whether locusts are kosher had been discussed at "great length".&nbsp;

And while the Torah designates some species as kosher -- including the one raised by Tamir -- it forbids others, he said.

In the rabbinic literature of Ashkenazi Jews, "for the last 400 to 500 years, it's specifically stated that we have a tradition to not eat these locusts," he said.

"That's why it probably will not be accepted generally by all communities to eat the locusts," he said, noting the chief rabbinate has put off a final decision on the question.

But Weisz said that despite the complexity of getting approval from the chief rabbinate, a local Golan rabbi could approve the product.&nbsp;

Overall, he said, the return of locusts to Jewish cuisine was "a wonderful thing".

"I think the fact that in the Torah it says you can eat them, it seems to indicate... that it could be the food of the future," Weisz said.

"Who would have thought!"

Tamir remained optimistic the rabbinate would ultimately give its approval, noting support from prominent rabbis and a planned cooperation with Tnuva, Israel's largest food producer, to manufacture locust protein powder for athletes by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Tamir is aiming his products at American and European Christians with grasshopper-enhanced energy bars and jars of roasted grasshoppers alongside Israeli honey.

"According to the New Testament, John the Baptist used to eat locusts with honey," he said.

From biblical plague to modern day protein, one Israeli firm wants to make locusts a sustainable food choice in the Holy Land and beyond. As for whether or not the insects are kosher, the answer is not so simple.

From biblical plague to modern day protein, one Israeli firm wants to make locusts a sustainable food choice in the Holy Land and beyond. As for whether or not the insects are kosher, the answer is not so simple. At Hargol Foodtech's farm in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, a rectangular enclosure that once served as a chicken coop is filled with thousands of locusts, a grasshopper species that has a highly destructive swarming phase. Contained in a series of meticulously stacked, climate-controlled mesh cages, the insects are served wheatgrass through their three-month life-cycle, before being cooled, killed and baked. Hargol's chief executive Dror Tamir told AFP that he grew up hearing stories of how locusts destroyed the fields of his kibbutz in the 1950s. Yet the Yemenite Jews in the area did not view locusts as crop-ruining pests, but as an edible source of nutrients, Tamir recalled. Grasshoppers the 'solution' As an adult, Tamir became a food and nutrition entrepreneur increasingly concerned about the environmental cost of providing the world's growing population with enough animal protein. Tamir said he founded Hargol -- Hebrew for grasshopper -- six and a half years ago after realizing the insects were the solution. The company's goal is to be "the first in the world to grow grasshoppers on a commercial scale, and provide the world with a healthier and more sustainable source of protein". Ram Reifen, a professor of human nutrition at Hebrew University, agreed that the planet is facing growing food supply challenges. With Earth's population expected to hit 10 billion by 2050, raising livestock to feed the planet will become increasingly unsustainable, given the massive water and land resources required. "The fear is there will be a scarcity of protein," Reifen told AFP. 'Yuck' factor Tamir said that unprocessed locusts consist of more than 70 percent protein and contain all amino acids, along with other nutrients. "What they do lack is saturated fat and cholesterol," he said. "They have the good stuff. They don't have the bad stuff." According to his own estimate, around 2.5 billion people -- mainly in developing nations -- consume insects as part of their regular diet. And, the "most widely-eaten insects in the world are grasshoppers," Tamir said. But, he added, "when trying to target North American and European customers, it's really hard to overcome the 'yuck' factor". To make their product more palatable to Westerners, Hargol turns locusts into powder, which can be mixed into various foods. Tamir said they were about to launch sales of locust-enhanced pancake mix and smoothie powders worldwide. Some goods produced in the Golan Heights face export restrictions, including strict labeling requirements, because most of the international community does not recognize Israeli sovereignty in the area. But Tamir said that while the locusts are grown in the Golan and another site in the Galilee, the powder is produced elsewhere within Israel, enabling him to avoid export restrictions. Investor support has helped sustain the company before sales tick up, he added. But is it kosher? In the Bible, locusts appear in the Old Testament Book of Exodus as one of the Ten Plagues unleashed on the Egyptians to force the Pharaoh to free the Israelites from slavery. In Leviticus, there is a passage stating that certain kinds of grasshopper, including locusts, are kosher. Jews in Yemen and North Africa have been eating locusts for generations, but European, or Ashkenazi Jews have not. Tamir said he hoped that he could bring locusts into mainstream Israeli cuisine by getting a kosher certification for his product from the country's chief rabbinate. Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weisz, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Israel's top religious adjudication body, told AFP the "phenomenal issue" of whether locusts are kosher had been discussed at "great length". And while the Torah designates some species as kosher -- including the one raised by Tamir -- it forbids others, he said. In the rabbinic literature of Ashkenazi Jews, "for the last 400 to 500 years, it's specifically stated that we have a tradition to not eat these locusts," he said. "That's why it probably will not be accepted generally by all communities to eat the locusts," he said, noting the chief rabbinate has put off a final decision on the question. But Weisz said that despite the complexity of getting approval from the chief rabbinate, a local Golan rabbi could approve the product. Overall, he said, the return of locusts to Jewish cuisine was "a wonderful thing". "I think the fact that in the Torah it says you can eat them, it seems to indicate... that it could be the food of the future," Weisz said. "Who would have thought!" Tamir remained optimistic the rabbinate would ultimately give its approval, noting support from prominent rabbis and a planned cooperation with Tnuva, Israel's largest food producer, to manufacture locust protein powder for athletes by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Tamir is aiming his products at American and European Christians with grasshopper-enhanced energy bars and jars of roasted grasshoppers alongside Israeli honey. "According to the New Testament, John the Baptist used to eat locusts with honey," he said.

Israeli firm seeks to put locusts on the menu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said the ensuing protests against him were egged on by a biased media that distorted facts and cheered on the demonstrators.

Demonstrators have been calling for the resignation of the leader, who is on trial for corruption charges. They have also panned his handling of the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;The protests have largely been peaceful.

Netanyahu has termed the protests as dens of "anarchists" and "leftists" out to topple "a strong right-wing leader.

In a six-minute rant, Netanyahu slammed the media for "inflaming" the protests and for misrepresenting incidents of violence against the protesters.

Netanyahu said the media ignored "wild and unfettered incitement, including daily calls " including the day before yesterday " to murder the prime minister and his family."

He said the protests were breeding grounds for the virus that were being allowed to take place with no limits, shutting down streets and neighbourhoods. He condemned violence "from all sides" at the start of his remarks before tearing into the media he has long viewed as hostile toward him.

Netanyahu's tirade came as a Jerusalem court ruled that his son Yair Netanyahu must remove a tweet that published the names, addresses and phone numbers of prominent protesters and called for his followers to demonstrate outside their homes "day and night."

Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals involving wealthy associates and media moguls. He denies the allegations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said the ensuing protests against him were egged on by a biased media that distorted facts and cheered on the demonstrators.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said the ensuing protests against him were egged on by a biased media that distorted facts and cheered on the demonstrators. Demonstrators have been calling for the resignation of the leader, who is on trial for corruption charges. They have also panned his handling of the coronavirus crisis. The protests have largely been peaceful. Netanyahu has termed the protests as dens of "anarchists" and "leftists" out to topple "a strong right-wing leader. In a six-minute rant, Netanyahu slammed the media for "inflaming" the protests and for misrepresenting incidents of violence against the protesters. Netanyahu said the media ignored "wild and unfettered incitement, including daily calls " including the day before yesterday " to murder the prime minister and his family." He said the protests were breeding grounds for the virus that were being allowed to take place with no limits, shutting down streets and neighbourhoods. He condemned violence "from all sides" at the start of his remarks before tearing into the media he has long viewed as hostile toward him. Netanyahu's tirade came as a Jerusalem court ruled that his son Yair Netanyahu must remove a tweet that published the names, addresses and phone numbers of prominent protesters and called for his followers to demonstrate outside their homes "day and night." Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals involving wealthy associates and media moguls. He denies the allegations.

Israel PM Netanyahu slams media over protests against him

Israeli firm converts locusts into food. From biblical plague to modern day protein, one Israeli firm wants to make locusts a sustainable food choice in the Holy Land and beyond.

Israeli firm seeks to put locusts on the menu | Locust swamp | Wion

The Israeli army said it struck targets belonging to Hamas in retaliation for a rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip on Sunday night.

Israel’s two-front conflict | Israel intercepts Hamas rocket from Gaza | Wion

Israeli warplanes hit several Hamas sites in central and southern Gaza Strip early Monday, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Israel strikes Hamas sites after Gaza rocket intercepted

After being slammed by netizens for an offensive tweet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son Yair Netanyahu writes to WION saying he loves India. Meanwhile, All is not well in Israel's northern border.

Gravitas: After offensive tweet, Netanyahu's son responds to WION's story

The Israel Defense Forces said a terrorist cell was forced back into Lebanese territory, from Israel, across Israel’s northern border

Hezbollah denies attack at Israel’s Northern Border

Tensions have escalated at borders at the border between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of sending its fighters into Israeli territory.

Israel-Lebanon border tensions: Israel claimed to have rebelled fighters

By Gilad Cohen (Courtesy: The Times of Israel)

A special flight equipped with medical equipment and advanced technological treatments for coronavirus flew to India from Tel Aviv yesterday. Also on board were defense and security experts, as well as Israeli diplomats returning to their embassies and consulates in the region. Dozens of sophisticated ventilators, which were loaded onto the special flight before take-off, made the name of the mission 26,that much more meaningful: “Breathing Space.”

Israel went out of its way to approve the export and transfer of these ventilators to India, while both countries continue to fight against the spread of the virus. Israel’s exceptional gesture today was a welcome “thank you” to India, which, just a few months ago, sent medicine and other essential diagnostic equipment in severe global shortage at the time to Israel.

In this way, Israel and India successfully transformed this unprecedented global pandemic into an opportunity to assist one another and further enhance their relations.

The Israel-India relationship has improved dramatically over the past several years. It’s hard to believe that just three decades ago, Indian passports were valid “for every country except Israel”. Today, India has become one of our most significant friendships in the Asia region. The scope of mutual trade between the two countries has grown from approximately 200 million USD in 1992 to some 4 billion USD in 2018. Since Ariel Sharon’s first historic visit to India in 2003, Israeli and Indian presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers have enjoyed a host of bilateral visits and discussions. One of the first discussions Foreign Minister Ashkenazi held upon entering his new role was with his Indian counterpart, Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. These are just some of the indicators of the surge that has occurred in relations between the two countries since diplomatic ties were fully established in 1992.

This upward trend has yielded success in other fields as well. Although it’s difficult to imagine direct flights while living under the cloud of COVID-19, Air India’s direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, inaugurated two years ago, minimizes flight duration by flying over Saudi Arabia. This contributes towards the normalization of Israel’s ties with the Arab world, and as such, assists Israel in achieving its strategic goal of improving its relations with the region.

Other flights – El Al to Mumbai, Arkia flights to Goa and Cochin – are an important bridge between Israel and India. &nbsp;This bridge is further strengthened by a visa relief policy for Indian citizens which saw the number of Indian tourists visiting Israel grow from 16,000 in 2000 to over 70,000 in 2018.

One of India’s most critical national security challenges is the provision of food security to its immense population. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has consistently invested a tenth of the Agency for International Development’s (MASHAV) budget into India for several years now. This has financed the establishment of more than 28 “Excellency Centers” across the many states that make up India. These centers serve as agricultural ‘demonstration’ farms, introducing Israeli experts and innovative Israeli technologies to Indian farmers.

In his last visit to India in January 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his home state of Gujarat. In an exceptionally moving moment, hundreds of farmers rushed to meet them and share their personal stories. One after another, they told of how their fields’ crop yields had improved by hundreds of percent following their training at Israel’s Excellence Centers.

Relations between Israel and India clearly don’t just exist between governments, but also between societies. The Israel-India relationship has permeated all elements of Indian society, including that of the 650-million Indian citizens who make a living from agriculture, and who represent half of the workforce in India.

Israel’s contributions have also risen to prominence in fields ranging from health, security, industry, and more. Most critical on our shared agenda, however, is water, and Israel is uniquely placed to provide solutions to the critical water shortage issue that India faces. Both countries share a deep and mutual appreciation for the benefits that their joint collaboration brings them.

Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is assuming its role as a regional and world power, and our diplomacy has succeeded in showing India the many advantages that can come from strengthening its ties with Israel. The Foreign Ministry is determined to continue cultivating its ties with the second largest country in the world, to ensure that our relations with India continue to thrive into the future.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By Gilad Cohen (Courtesy: The Times of Israel) A special flight equipped with medical equipment and advanced technological treatments for coronavirus flew to India from Tel Aviv yesterday.

By Gilad Cohen (Courtesy: The Times of Israel) A special flight equipped with medical equipment and advanced technological treatments for coronavirus flew to India from Tel Aviv yesterday. Also on board were defense and security experts, as well as Israeli diplomats returning to their embassies and consulates in the region. Dozens of sophisticated ventilators, which were loaded onto the special flight before take-off, made the name of the mission 26,that much more meaningful: “Breathing Space.” Israel went out of its way to approve the export and transfer of these ventilators to India, while both countries continue to fight against the spread of the virus. Israel’s exceptional gesture today was a welcome “thank you” to India, which, just a few months ago, sent medicine and other essential diagnostic equipment in severe global shortage at the time to Israel. In this way, Israel and India successfully transformed this unprecedented global pandemic into an opportunity to assist one another and further enhance their relations. The Israel-India relationship has improved dramatically over the past several years. It’s hard to believe that just three decades ago, Indian passports were valid “for every country except Israel”. Today, India has become one of our most significant friendships in the Asia region. The scope of mutual trade between the two countries has grown from approximately 200 million USD in 1992 to some 4 billion USD in 2018. Since Ariel Sharon’s first historic visit to India in 2003, Israeli and Indian presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers have enjoyed a host of bilateral visits and discussions. One of the first discussions Foreign Minister Ashkenazi held upon entering his new role was with his Indian counterpart, Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. These are just some of the indicators of the surge that has occurred in relations between the two countries since diplomatic ties were fully established in 1992. This upward trend has yielded success in other fields as well. Although it’s difficult to imagine direct flights while living under the cloud of COVID-19, Air India’s direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, inaugurated two years ago, minimizes flight duration by flying over Saudi Arabia. This contributes towards the normalization of Israel’s ties with the Arab world, and as such, assists Israel in achieving its strategic goal of improving its relations with the region. Other flights – El Al to Mumbai, Arkia flights to Goa and Cochin – are an important bridge between Israel and India. This bridge is further strengthened by a visa relief policy for Indian citizens which saw the number of Indian tourists visiting Israel grow from 16,000 in 2000 to over 70,000 in 2018. One of India’s most critical national security challenges is the provision of food security to its immense population. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has consistently invested a tenth of the Agency for International Development’s (MASHAV) budget into India for several years now. This has financed the establishment of more than 28 “Excellency Centers” across the many states that make up India. These centers serve as agricultural ‘demonstration’ farms, introducing Israeli experts and innovative Israeli technologies to Indian farmers. In his last visit to India in January 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his home state of Gujarat. In an exceptionally moving moment, hundreds of farmers rushed to meet them and share their personal stories. One after another, they told of how their fields’ crop yields had improved by hundreds of percent following their training at Israel’s Excellence Centers. Relations between Israel and India clearly don’t just exist between governments, but also between societies. The Israel-India relationship has permeated all elements of Indian society, including that of the 650-million Indian citizens who make a living from agriculture, and who represent half of the workforce in India. Israel’s contributions have also risen to prominence in fields ranging from health, security, industry, and more. Most critical on our shared agenda, however, is water, and Israel is uniquely placed to provide solutions to the critical water shortage issue that India faces. Both countries share a deep and mutual appreciation for the benefits that their joint collaboration brings them. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is assuming its role as a regional and world power, and our diplomacy has succeeded in showing India the many advantages that can come from strengthening its ties with Israel. The Foreign Ministry is determined to continue cultivating its ties with the second largest country in the world, to ensure that our relations with India continue to thrive into the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

From Israel to India with friendship in the face of pandemic

On July 24, the Israeli embassy in India said that Tel Aviv has decided to send India this week a team of scientists working to develop a rapid testing kit for coronavirus.

Israel team arrives in India to develop rapid COVID-19 testing

Demonstrations continue to rage in Israel after thousands more gather to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Saturday. These demonstrators gathered outside Israeli PM's residence.

Israel: Another night of violent protests in Jerusalem

Melaniya Petrushanska spent almost a sixth of her life in accidental exile after Israel sealed its borders while she was abroad on what was meant to be a short holiday. The three-year-old daughter of Ukrainian immigrants had a tearful reunion with her parents this week after an Israeli airline agreed to bring her back.

Tears for toddler's return to Israel after accidental coronavirus exile

Israeli police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence on Saturday as protests mounted against him over alleged corruption and his handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli police fire water cannons to disperse anti-government protesters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's graft trial resumed on Sunday (July 19) after a two-month break amid mounting protests over his alleged corruption and handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumes

Israelis protest against Netanyahu's handling of COVID-19 crisis

Israel's government said on Friday it was imposing weekend restrictions to limit the spiraling spread of coronavirus in the hope of avoiding a general lockdown further along the line.

People would be allowed to leave their homes this weekend but malls, shops, pools, zoos, and museums would be shut from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning, a joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and the health ministry said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-reports-its-highest-daily-coronavirus-infections-312327">Israel reports its highest daily coronavirus infections</a>

These measures will take effect immediately and apply every weekend until further notice, the statement said.

Friday evening is the start of the Jewish sabbath, when many restaurants close, while Sunday is the start of the Israeli working week.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-protests-demonstrators-unhappy-with-netanyahus-economic-policies-313479/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On all days, gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors and restaurants would be allowed to serve take-out only, the government said.

A further decision on whether to keep summer schools and nurseries open would be made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz.

Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after lockdown measures were lifted.

The country reopened schools and many businesses in May, lifting restrictions that had flattened an infection curve after a partial lockdown imposed in March.

But with the infection rate rising sharply in the past few weeks, many public health experts said the government had moved too fast while neglecting to take the necessary epidemiological steps to control the pandemic once the economy reopened.

The country of some nine million people had recorded 46,059 confirmed cases by Thursday night, including 384 dead.

Israel's government said on Friday it was imposing weekend restrictions to limit the spiraling spread of coronavirus in the hope of avoiding a general lockdown further along the line.

Israel's government said on Friday it was imposing weekend restrictions to limit the spiraling spread of coronavirus in the hope of avoiding a general lockdown further along the line. People would be allowed to leave their homes this weekend but malls, shops, pools, zoos, and museums would be shut from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning, a joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and the health ministry said. Also read: Israel reports its highest daily coronavirus infections These measures will take effect immediately and apply every weekend until further notice, the statement said. Friday evening is the start of the Jewish sabbath, when many restaurants close, while Sunday is the start of the Israeli working week. On all days, gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors and restaurants would be allowed to serve take-out only, the government said. A further decision on whether to keep summer schools and nurseries open would be made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz. Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after lockdown measures were lifted. The country reopened schools and many businesses in May, lifting restrictions that had flattened an infection curve after a partial lockdown imposed in March. But with the infection rate rising sharply in the past few weeks, many public health experts said the government had moved too fast while neglecting to take the necessary epidemiological steps to control the pandemic once the economy reopened. The country of some nine million people had recorded 46,059 confirmed cases by Thursday night, including 384 dead.

Israel imposes new weekend restrictions to combat surge in COVID-19 cases

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