Israel's health ministry has recommended that individuals with weakened immune systems wear masks in crowded indoor settings due to a moderate increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations ahead of the Jewish holidays. The ministry's advisory comes as a response to the rising hospitalizations caused by various COVID variants present both in Israel and globally. Given the upcoming Jewish holiday season, which starts on September 15 and lasts about a month, characterized by large family gatherings, the ministry suggests that those at higher risk or those seeking to reduce infection risk should wear masks indoors in crowded spaces.

Additionally, the health ministry is preparing to distribute vaccines targeting new subvariants. While COVID infections and hospitalizations have been increasing in the United States, Europe, and Asia, they remain below previous peak levels. Israel is one of six countries where a highly mutated COVID variant known as BA.2.86 has been identified, although experts believe it is unlikely to result in a severe wave of illness and fatalities.