Israel toughens lockdown as infections sour

TEL AVIV: Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Friday as a second nationwide lockdown failed to bring down the world’s highest infection rate a week after it was imposed.

The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations. “Saving lives is our priority — we are living in a moment of national crisis,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised news conference late Thursday, justifying the decision to reinforce restrictions.