Category: Israel

Israel’s One Zero Digital Bank Gains Full Licence

JERUSALEM—One Zero Digital Bank has received final regulatory approval for a full banking license, the Bank of Israel said on Monday, becoming the first new Israeli bank in 43 years. Having gained a restricted license in December 2019, One Zero operated on a trial basis initially but has now met all criteria, including raising the…


Israel Set to Lift All COVID-19 Travel Bans Amid Omicron Wave

TEL AVIV, Israel—Travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries should be cleared for landing in Israel, the Health Ministry recommended on Thursday. The ministry said all countries should be removed from Israel’s “red” no-travel list, including the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Tanzania, Mexico, Switzerland and…


Tutu Leaves Outstanding Human Rights Legacy, but His Antisemitism Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Commentary Anglican archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace prize and a central figure in South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement, died at age 90 on Dec. 26. As befitted his historical stature, the New York Times accorded generous wordage to his obituary. Archbishop Tutu’s calls for economic sanctions were instrumental in amassing the international…


Israel Records 1st Case of Patient With Both COVID-19 and Flu, Dubbed ‘Flurona’

Israel has recorded what is widely believed to be the first case of “flurona” disease, a double infection of coronavirus and seasonal flu in an unvaccinated pregnant woman, according to local reports. The unnamed woman displayed mild symptoms of the virus at Rabin Medical Center in the city of Petah Tikva on Dec. 30, Hamodia reported. She is doing well and was…


Israel to Offer 4th COVID-19 Vaccine Shot to Over 60s, Medical Staff

JERUSALEM—Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that Israel would offer a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine to people over 60 and to medical staff. Israel last week approved a fourth dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, a second booster, for people who are immune-compromised and the elderly living in care homes….


Israel’s Top Health Official Says Omicron Surge Could Lead the Nation to Herd Immunity

Surging CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus infections could push Israel further toward herd immunity, the nation’s top health official said Sunday as the government plans to push more vaccine shots. Israel last week became one of the first countries to begin administering a fourth dose of the vaccine to people most vulnerable to the CCP…


Israel Signs Deal to Buy $3.1 Billion in US Helicopters, Tankers

JERUSALEM—Israel has signed a deal with the United States to buy 12 Lockheed Martin Corp CH-53K helicopters and two Boeing Co KC-46 refueling planes, the Israeli Defense Ministry said on Friday, estimating the total price at around $3.1 billion. The deal, signed on Thursday, is part of an upgrade of Israel’s air force capabilities and…


Israel Approves 4th COVID-19 Vaccine Dose to Immunosuppressed People

The Israeli government has approved a second COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and organ transplant recipients. It comes after the country’s Pandemic Expert Committee last week recommended the fourth shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for immunocompromised people, people older than 60, and health care workers. “Today, I approved giving…


Israel Approves 4th COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Immunosuppressed People

The Israeli government has approved a second COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and organ transplant recipients. It comes after the country’s Pandemic Expert Committee last week recommended the fourth shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for immunocompromised people, people older than 60, and health care workers. “Today, I approved giving…


Israel Approves Measures After Inviting Palestinian President for Rare Meeting

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was invited by Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz for a rare meeting to discuss security coordination and preventing ongoing violence and acts of terrorism. Following the meeting, Gantz’s office said he approved “confidence-building measures” including the transfer of tax payments to the Palestinian Authority, the authorization of hundreds of permits for…