JNF forestry teams have continued to work to extinguish isolated 'spot fires' that have not subsided since the fire that broke out earlier this week in the Jerusalem mountains.

Health Min. reports 10 cases in Israel of AY3 COVID strain, an offshoot of the contagious Delta variant.

MK Nir Orbach (Yamina) commented In the government's handling of the new variant and third vaccination drive, saying, "We are beginning to gain control of the virus. I praise the citizens who were willing to put their trust in the government before a formal approval from the FDA."

MK Gilad Kariv (Labor) was released this evening (Thursday) from the COVID-19 ward at Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer. He continues to require assisted breathing and medical oxygen.

Rising winds have blown the fire In Mt. Eitan, near Jerusalem, back into life. Twelve firefighting teams, as well as four firefighting planes, are working to contain the incident. No danger is assessed to nearby buildings.

Egypt and Israel should advance partnerships in civilian and economic issues, Israeli Foreign Min. Yair Lapid and Egypt's Abbas Kamel agree.

Meeting with Scottish Jewish leaders, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reiterates her commitment to combating Jew-hatred in Scotland.

Avshalom Vilan, director of the Israel Agricultural Association, pledges to fight the reform In importing agricultural products. "This reform threatens more than 3,000 farmers throughout israel. Israel will be dependent In Turkey to supply eggs. We will do everything possible to make sure that our egg supply does not depend In Erdogan," he commented.