Actress posts image of Palestinian flags, with 'solidarity is a verb' written across it; many social media commenters praise the Beauty and the Beast star, while others call it 'really disappointing'

Health Ministry says contagion rate also highest since September at nearly 5%; virus' reproduction number sees another slight increase, while tally of severe patients grows by 33%; country's list of 'red' local authorities now includes Tel Aviv

Health Ministry says need to restrict entry of non-Israelis and to limit travel overseas no longer necessary since less than 5% of COVID cases originate from travelers; move set to take effect on January 9; UAE, U.S. and many others remain on blacklist

Expansion of 4th vaccine booster to at-risk age groups and medical staffers comes amid an increase in nationwide infection rate spurred by Omicron; follows health experts' warning of infection peak in coming weeks

Despite rapidly climbing cases and warnings from officials and within government, Horowitz assures 'everything is under control' and ministry working to alleviate grueling workload in coronavirus testing centers