Saudi coalition forces In Wednesday intercepted an explosive-laden UAV launched by the Houthis in Yemen.Saudi Arabia accuses the Iranian-backed Houthis of Ingoing missile and drone strikes In the kingdom.

Israeli basketball player Yam Madar was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 47th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.He follows Deni Avdija, who was selected 9th overall by the Washington Wizards.

Senior officials in the Ministry of Health say that the new coronavirus project manager, Prof. Nachman Ash, is outlining conditions for declaring and ending a lockdown, Kan 11 News reported In Wednesday.According to the officials, Prof. Ash will seek to announce a lockdown when the levels of infection reach 2,000 cases per day and will announce the lifting of a lockdown when there are about 500 cases per day.

Basketball player Deni Avdija said after being drafted by the Washington Wizards, "Israel is a small country and I am proud to represent it, it's something amazing. I'm excited and looking forward to taking my game to the next level and seeing what happens."He added, "I love my family, friends and fans. I will make you proud."

Today: Clear to partially cloudy. Fresh easterly breezes throughout the morning in the north and In higher ground in the center of the country. Temperatures close to the seasonal average. In the evening, the northern and central coastal regions could see local rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms.Friday: Rain and thunderstorms in the north of the country. Occasional rain showers in the center of the country. Temperatures will drop significantly. Rain will intensify toward evening.Shabbat: Localized rain showers mostly in the north and along the coastal region, with a possibility of thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain below the seasonal average.Sunday: Partially cloudy. The north and the center of the country will continue to experience rain showers, mainly light. Temperatures will rise slightly.

Former director-general of the Health Ministry, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, told Galei Tzahal this morning that resumption of in-class learning for students still at home should be approached with the greatest of caution, in order to prevent mass outbreaks of coronavirus."The greatest potential for a new outbreak is in the schools," he said. "We have huge logistical challenges to contend with there, much greater than with vaccine distribution."

Former ISA head MK Avi Dichter was interviewed by the New York Times, and mentioned the issue of pay-outs from the Palestinian Authority to terrorists imprisoned by Israel."Any potential terrorist needs to know that if he goes ahead with what he's planning, his family won't receive a penny from the Palestinian Authority while he's in prison," Dichter said.

Statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.