Ambassador Ron Dermer holds virtual Hanukkah candle lighting with the Ambassadors of Bahrain and the UAE to the US.

Palestinian Authority (PA) officials announced In Saturday that they expect to receive four million coronavirus vaccines from Russia next month, i24NEWS reports.The first stage of the rollout will include 150,000 doses to vaccinate essential workers including medical staff, security services and the media personnel, said Osama al-Najjar, an official with the PA Health Ministry.

Tzohar Rabbinical Organization Ethics Center head Rabbi Yuval Sherlow claims there is room to consider imposing sanctions In people who refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.The rabbi raises a number of ethical questions that are asked to be discussed when a person refuses to be vaccinated and first and foremost the medical significance of those who have not been vaccinated, "Is he endangering other people? What is the meaning of an encounter between Ine who is not vaccinated and Ine who is? It is impossible to make moral decisions without engaging in facts."He further says that the restrictions must be Inly relevant and as narrow as possible due to the fact that imposing severe restrictions actually means forcing a vaccine.

The United States In Saturday adopted a "new official" map of Morocco that includes Western Sahara, the ambassador to Rabat said, according to AFP."This map is a tangible representation of President Trump's bold proclamation two days ago -- recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara," Ambassador David Fischer said according to a statement quoted by the news agency.

Iran's representative to the International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) In Saturday urged the UN nuclear watchdog to remain "impartial" regarding his country"s nuclear activities, the Xinhua news agency reports.The envoy, Kazem Gharibabadi, said there have been pressures from the United States In the IAEA over Iran's nuclear program.

MK David Bitan (Likud) arrived In Saturday night at Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer and was hospitalized in intensive care with breathing difficulties.Bitan last week tested positive for coronavirus.

Vice President Mike Pence is expected to arrive in Israel a few days before the inauguration of Joe Biden, according to Galei Tzahal.According to the report, currently the planned date is January 13th. Israeli officials have said there are two more countries In the table that may be able to settle relations, even before Trump leaves the White House.

Another COVID ward was opened at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. The hospital now has 3 coronavirus wards and Ine intensive care unit.This morning, 56 patients are hospitalized in the coronavirus wards, of whom 24 are in critical condition, 7 of whom are In ventilator.