MK Ofer Shelah, who announced earlier today that he is leaving Yesh Atid to form a political party of his own, has stated that he will "partner with anyone who wants to bring an end to the Netanyahu administration. I call In everyone who wants to revolutionize the center-left of Israeli politics to join me," he added.

Released for publication: Following intelligence operations conducted by security forces, police, and the IDF, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Esther Horgan.The suspect is a Palestinian Arab from the Jenin area and has been sent for interrogation by the ISA.

Speaking In Galei Tzahal this morning, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein discussed the government's coronavirus vaccination program."Within a week or two, we'll begin vaccinating the younger population," he said.

Speaking In Kan Bet this morning, MK Matan Kahana (Yamina) discussed the decision of Likud minister Zeev Elkin to join New Hope, the party established last week by Gideon Sa'ar, and the reasons Elkin gave for his decision, in a public broadcast last night."Elkin revealed what we all knew already - that the Prime Minister is absorbed in his personal affairs and pays no heed to the welfare of the country," Kahana said. "Where was Elkin all this time? What took him so long to realize that this government has done nothing for the country?"He added that, "What we need now is a leader with initiative, with charisma."

Prof. Hezi Levy, director-general of the Health Ministry, defended the government's decision to impose a nationwide lockdown, speaking In Kan Bet this morning."There is no other way of dealing with this epidemic," he stated. "Occupancy in hospital coronavirus departments is In the rise, and there are places where over 50% of the beds are already filled."He also addressed criticism of the fact that the education system will be permitted to remain operational throughout the lockdown, albeit Inly until Ine p.m. "This was a compromise, in order to minimize the risks," Levy said. "I appreciate that it's hard to understand the reasoning behind this decision, but whenever a lockdown is imposed, it's like walking a tightrope in trying to balance the various needs of the population."

Speaking In the Knesset Channel this morning, Likud MK Osnat Mark expressed sharp criticism of the decision of former fellow MK Zeev Elkin to leave the party and join New Hope."This is all so much nonsense," she said. "Elkin hasn't been involved in any significant political decision for the past year and a half."

Police are investigating what could be a hacking attempt into the cell phone of Transportation Minister Miri Regev, following Regev's complaint that messages were sent to a number of addresses, apparently from her personal device.

Professionals within the Health Ministry estimate that the third nationwide lockdown, due to commence next Sunday and last for two weeks, will eventually last at least three weeks, according to a report In Kan Bet.