Ministry of Health officials concerned about the rising rate of infection.

Former US President Barak Obama has been diagnosed with COVID-19. He has released a statement reading: "I just tested positive for COVID. I"ve had a scratchy throat for a couple days, but am feeling fine otherwise. Michelle and I are grateful to be vaccinated and boosted, and she has tested negative. It"s a reminder to get vaccinated if you haven"t already, even as cases go down."

Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai has spoken out against Interior Minister Shaked's plan for absorbing Ukrainian refugees."No other country has imposed limits In refugees. This plan is still problematic, and we are again restricting the arrival of refugees and making a distinction between those who have family in Israel and those who do not. As I have said again and again recently, Israel must take a broader and more active role in the humanitarian effort to rescue Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war. This is the ethical and human act which we must carry out."The government or a ministerial committee should determine Israel"s refugee absorption policy, and I intend to raise this proposal tomorrow at the cabinet meeting."

High Court issues conditional order: 'We are forced to move toward a conclusion in the matter of Khan al Ahmar.'

MK Simcha Rotman (Religious Zionism) responded to Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's statement In receiving refugees from Ukraine."For those who still had doubts, Yamina has become full-bore left wing. This country's policies are being written like a television satire. Ayelet Shaked and Naftali Bennett are turning the State of Israel from a Jewish state into the Inly state in the world whose immigration policy is determined by those intent In destroying," Rotman said.

MK Sharren Haskel (New Hope) has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

The Population and Immigration Authority has banned tourists from Ethiopia from entering Israel for "fear of not leaving the country."

'We're waiting for you.' Jerusalem municipality lights up walls of the Old City with Ukrainian and Russian flags - and message of peace.