Fines for violating social distancing rules are doubled and those caught without a mask will now pay up without an initial warning; malls to stay shut

New York Jews who inform secular authorities of services held despite virus restrictions face harassment, threats, as community shuns outside intervention on sensitive issues

Ministers reportedly will agree to reopen more stores, hairdressers, allow food takeaway in addition to delivery

Yossi Cohen reportedly tells health officials death toll in Islamic Republic, Lebanon, Iraq and Syria much higher than reported

Decision could hand up to NIS 400,000 ($113,000) per business; move comes after criticism that Israel is abandoning battered businesses at their time of need

Israelis are readying to get back to business, as the virus appears to recede, but some warn that it should not be an open and shutdown case

Austrian leader Sebastian Kurz, who hosted video conference, thanks Netanyahu for pressing him to act early and impose strict curbs; leaders urge exchange of knowledge and ideas

Many will have to forgo communal prayers and family gatherings that make the holy month special, as authorities maintain lockdowns aimed at slowing the coronavirus pandemic