Prime Minister told ministers human suffering will increase unless change achieved in Russia - Ukraine war, says despite low chance of success will continue to offer his help; Israel prepares to absorb growing number of Jews, he says

Ayelet Shaked says Israel has taken in 'more refugees than any other country that doesn't share a border with Ukraine', says country on course to receive over 15,000 refugees by end of March

Moscow continues upping the rhetoric as fighting in the southeastern neighbor protracts; France's Macron urges Putin to end military operations in Ukraine and to ensure security of country's nuclear sites

Officials and public alike warn international crisis could divert public attention from issue, fear Israel could resettle Ukrainian Jewish refugees in West Bank settlements

F-35s intercept Iranian aircraft far from Israeli territory in coordination with neighboring countries; defense sources estimate this was an attempt by the Iranians to smuggle weapons into Gaza

PM lands in Israel and is expected to convene his cabinet later in the day; Bennett's visit to the Kremlin appears to be latest attempt at mediation between Moscow and Kyiv; visit said to have been made in coordination with U.S. and Ukraine

Ynet reporter sees civilians and security forces attempt to fortify the capital with sandbags, metal barricades; 'Kyiv can be destroyed, but Kyiv will never be taken' one soldier on guard tells him

U.N. refugee agency estimates the number of refugees could swell to 4 million by July; WHO says there are some 750 civilians casualties across Ukraine, of whom 249 have been killed and 553 injured as of Thursday