Israel announces highest budget deficit in its history

Israel’s Accountant General announced Monday that the country’s budget deficit for 2020 was $50.4 billion, the highest it has ever been and three times higher than it was in 2019, Ynet News reports. The record figure was largely anticipated in light of the economic devastation wrought during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Netanyahu: We will start vaccinating 170,000 people a day

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, as a shipment of 700,000 Pfizer COVID vaccines arrived at Ben-Gurion International Airport, that the Pfizer vaccines would continue to arrive, with a “huge” shipment expected.

Israeli company helps provide clean water to Palestinians in Gaza Strip

A Jewish-Israeli businessman is helping Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to access clean water, the Times of Israel reports. Through his Israel-based company Watergen, Mikhail Mirilashvili has provided atmospheric water generators to Gaza in an effort to relieve the chronic drinking-water crisis there.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar resume diplomatic relations through US-brokered deal

Saudi Arabia restored its severed ties with Qatar on Tuesday, as the two countries signed a US-brokered agreement to end their dispute and resolve the Gulf crisis that broke out three years ago, Axios reports. A Saudi-led coalition cut diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017 on the grounds of alleged Qatari support for Iran and terrorist organizations.

Nigeria Fighters Kill and Kidnap Christians

Christian farming communities reportedly faced new attacks and abductions on Christmas Eve by suspected Islamic Fulani fighters who recently killed dozens of Christians.

100 doctors protest Israel’s COVID-19 restrictions

Over 100 doctors in Israel have signed a letter of protest against the government’s COVID-19 lockdowns and its alternative restrictions such as the closure of schools, the Times of Israel (TOI) reported Sunday. The physicians’ protest was made as the number of daily coronavirus cases in Israel surged to nearly 3,000 Tuesday through Friday last week, and as a new wave of restrictions looked likely.

Bethlehem To Celebrate Christmas Despite Coronavirus Crisis

Church leaders and local authorities say they are preparing Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, the Biblical birthplace of Jesus, despite a reported increase in coronavirus cases. “Bethlehem is going to celebrate Christmas. And Christmas will not be canceled,” pledged Mayor Anton Salman.

Hungary Approves ‘Anti-Gay’ Constitution

Hungary has adopted an amendment to its constitution that effectively bans the adoption of children by same-sex couples. The legislation also loosens oversight of public funds despite corruption concerns and detailed rules governing war times.

Sudan removed from US list of state sponsors of terrorism

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday that Sudan has been officially removed from a list of countries that the US considers being state sponsors of terrorism, the Jerusalem Post reports. The 1993 US designation of Sudan as a terror sponsor was made during the brutal dictatorship of former president Omar al-Bashir, who was believed to be protecting terrorist groups, and who was finally ousted last year.

US Government deficit increased by 25.1% in first 2 months of budget year

The US government deficit in the first two months of the budget year increased by 25.1% more than it was at the same time last year, PBS reports. The rise reflects increased government spending to manage the COVID-19 pandemic against a related backdrop of decreased income from taxes. The budget year begins on October 1.

EU, Britain Face Messy Divorce After Talks Breakdown

European leaders have warned that Britain’s exit from the European Union will likely be without a crucial deal on $1 trillion in annual trade. Britain already quit the EU in January, but it remained in the EU single market and customs union during a transition period.

Amid Pandemic, Davos Event to Be Held in Singapore Next Year

Organizers of the annual World Economic Forum event in Davos, Switzerland, have again changed their planned venue for next year’s edition, announcing it will now take place in Singapore in May — a sign that the COVID-19 crisis has played havoc with planning.

Nigeria: World stands by as Boko Haram murders at least 110 farmworkers in single attack

At least 110 farmworkers were slaughtered in a single attack in Nigeria’s Borno state Saturday by terrorists believed to be members of Boko Haram, the Christian Post reports. Armed men on some 60 motorbikes gunned down the rice field workers in what a UN official described as “the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year.”

French government backs down and will rewrite controversial new security law

Following major protests across France, President Emmanuel Macron’s governing party announced Monday that it will “totally rewrite” a controversial new law that would have made it an offense to film and identify police officers online if there is intent to harm their “physical or psychological integrity,” Euro News reports.

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