� Due to the expected storm, courts in Jerusalem and the Galil we operate on a limited schedule on Wednesday.

� MK David Rotem (Yisrael Beitenu) has announced he is retiring from Knesset.

� The Education Ministry launches its situation room in the capital ahead of the storm.

� Haifa Mayor Yonah Yahav suspends ‘blue and white’ paid parking during the expected storm.

� Yesh Atid MK Boaz Toporovsky gives police testimony in widening high-level government corruption investigation.

� Moshe Kahlon announced Jerusalem Councilwoman Rochel Azaria joins his team.

� The Health Ministry at about 11:50 announced an air pollution alert in the south due to severe sand storms.

� Egypt plans to expand its buffer zone to Rafiach to two kilometers, blaming Hamas for ongoing violence in Sinai.

� 48 candidates are vying for 9 spots in the Bayit Yehudi primaries, which will be held next Tuesday.

� Mt. Hermon ski resort is closed to visitors due to heavy fog.

� The word today is that Aryeh Deri will not run for Knesset in the upcoming elections.

� Due to the expected storm, the Government Press Office will remain closed on Thursday.

� US philanthropist Shlomo Rechnitz arrived in Israel in an effort to negotiate peace in the chareidi camp. He has already met with Aryeh Deri.

� Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein approves the decision to increase minimum wage to 5,000 NIS monthly.

� PM Netanyahu visits the Jerusalem command center to oversee preparations for snow storm.

� Limitations in place for ships in the Ports of Haifa & Ashdod due to heavy winds and expected storm.

� An Ashdod postal bank was held up by a gunman. No injuries were reported.

� Police recommend to the attorney general to file a criminal indictment against former MK Binyamin Ben-Eliezer.

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(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)