Dr. Itay Gal

Dr. Itay Gal is the medical correspondent for Maariv, Ynet, and Yedioth Ahronoth and has published thousands of articles and books and edited and presented news bulletins on the radio and television. His publications led, among other things, to thousands of signatures on an Adi card for organ donation and to the collection of donations for sick children whose lives were saved. In parallel to his journalistic and news work, Dr. Gal is a specialist in pediatrics, sports, and aviation medicine and a graduate student with a master's degree in health systems management at Bar-Ilan University.

 Illustrative image of a cyberattack with Israeli and Iranian flags.

Israel plunges Iran into darkness with largest cyberattack in history during attack against Iran

 Israeli soldiers and medical staff at the underground hospital at the Rambam Hospital in Haifa, on September 22, 2024.

Hospitals across Israel begin transferring patients to protected underground units

The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford departs Souda Bay on the island of Crete on February 26, 2026.

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier: everything you need to know - explainer


Nine-month-old baby rushed to Shaare Zedek after choking, passes away despite resuscitation efforts

Despite successfully removing the foreign object from the baby’s throat, doctors were unable to stabilize her condition.

Illustrative image of a baby girl to frame story of 9-month-old who died in Shaare Zedek after choking. February, 2026.

WhatsApp’s transcription revolution reaches all users

WhatsApp rolls out a major AI feature letting users convert voice messages into text instantly, fulfilling one of its most requested tools for easier messaging and accessibility.

WhatsApp.

There is only one correct way to remove bacteria From chicken

Washing chicken before cooking may seem logical – but medical data show you should stop, as it is the easiest and fastest way to spread bacteria throughout the kitchen.

Roasted chicken

El Al flight to Newark returns to Israel mid-flight due to extreme snowstorm in US

A senior El Al official confirmed to Maariv that the flight is expected to be rescheduled as soon as landing permission is granted at Newark or a nearby airport. 

AN EL AL flight takes off at the Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, August 14, 2025.

Imported Palestinian produce contains dangerous levels of pesticides, Health committee warns

Procedure dictates that Palestinian produce gets tested in labs before going to market. In practice, the toxic produce is sent to Israeli shelves several days before lab results even come back.

Palestinian farmers picking cucumbers in the plains of the town of Beit Furik, east of the city of Nablus in the West Bank. on June 26, 2022.

Israel's health services prepare for war amid Iran tensions

Health funds have developed a comprehensive plan to adapt medical services during emergencies, focusing on clinics with proper shelter or proximity to protected areas.

 Meuhedet Health Fund

Parents notified of exposure risk after Ichilov neonatal ward guard tests positive for measles

The Health Ministry has been working with the hospital to identify and contact any affected families to provide preventive care and check their immunization status.

Ichilov hospital and Sourasky Medical Centre in Tel Aviv.

January sets record for organ transplants in Israel with 54 procedures

During January, 54 transplants were performed on 47 patients, significantly higher than the previous record set in 2024, when about 36 transplants were performed in one month.

 An illustrative image of surgeons conducting surgery.

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv become the most polluted major cities in the world from dust, urban emissions

The Health Ministry and the Environmental Protection Ministry both issued warnings, advising all to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and close any open windows.

People walk along the beach in hazy conditions in Tel Aviv, February 14, 2026.

IDF's new mechanical AI robot takes two hours to clean tanks, which soldiers needed 48 hours for

The robot operates autonomously, without soldiers present in dangerous environments and without exposure to chemicals, oils, or extreme heat.

Ruby AI's robotic tank cleaner.