Israelis on quarantined cruise ship to be flown home

Israeli officials said on Sunday that their citizens who are being kept aboard a quarantined cruise ship in Japan will be flown back home to "save their lives."

The country's Foreign Minister Israel Katz said three Israelis have tested positive for the deadly new virus, and are looked after by Japanese health authorities.

According to Israeli media, 15 Israelis are aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which has docked at Yokohama, a port city southwest of Tokyo.Passengers have been quarantined on the ship since 5 February.Speaking after a meeting of the cabinet in Israel, Katz said the rest of the Israelis who they intend to bring back will be quarantined when they arrive.

(Image Credit: AP)