Jerusalem: In Israel Covid19 vaccine has become the newest form of currency. Middle East is known for oil and arms but Israel is now using vaccine as their currency.
To save one civilian of Israel who crossed border and went to Syria allegedly by mistake Israel agreed to make a prison swap. Both the countries have no diplomatic relationship infact they are two enemy states. According to the official report by Israeli Administration In return for the civilian’s freedom, there had been exchanged for two Syrian shepherds captured by the Israelis.
It sounds to easy for two enemy states to swap prisoners like this, it’s because underlying the official statement Israel had infact allegedly agreed to a greater ransom in secret. The ransom was to send undisclosed number of COVID19 vaccine to Syria. Under this deal Israel will pay for the Russian made vaccine which will be then sent to Syria.
The Israeli government has refused to share or to talk anything regarding the vaccine aspect of the deal. And in Syria a state controlled news outlet had also claimed that there was no mention of vaccine in the arrangement.
The Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has put his re-election hopes on the success of his campaign to vaccinate Israel’s adult population. He has also offered to give rewards to all those who takes the vaccine and punishment to those who do not.
As oppose to the long wait seen in Europe and in the US, vaccines are plentiful and they are available for almost on demand for anyone who needs one. Clinics have tried to lure people for the vaccination by offering free food and cappuccinos.
Israel has launched the world’s fastest vaccination campaign. Administering at least one dose to more than half of its 9.3 million people and the required two doses to about a third in less than two months.
During a photo op at a Tel Aviv-area gym Prime Minister of Israel said “I ask everyone who has not been vaccinated go be vaccinated. You will have the Green Pass and you will also be able to benefit from it”
Internationally the country had to face criticism for keeping the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip from their vaccination campaign.
Although Netanyahu allegedly showed no hesitation in agreeing to pay Russia some USD 1.2 million to by vaccines for Syria as a part of their deal last weak to release an Israeli civilian from Damascus.
When asked about the alleged deal, Netanyahu was ambiguous. He said “not one Israeli vaccine was delivered to Syria – a country that harbors hostile Iranian forces.” But he would not say whether Israel had paid Russia for the vaccines or not.
An Israeli official spoke under the condition of anonymity on Sunday that Israel is considering sharing surplus vaccines with friendly nations. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing internal government deliberations.
Israel and other nations have started to play Politics with vaccination. The Covid19 vaccine is the new currency and the prime ticket of political power.
Source: PTI
By Saumen Paul
