Bennett thanks UK’s Johnson for intervening in wheelchair fiasco

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R) is introduced to Israel's Energy Minister Karine Elharrar (L) as he meets with Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (C) on the sidelines of the COP26 Climate Conference at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, Scotland on November 2, 2021. (Alberto Pezzali / POOL / AFP)
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (R) is introduced to Israel's Energy Minister Karine Elharrar (L) as he meets with Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (C) on the sidelines of the COP26 Climate Conference at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow, Scotland on November 2, 2021. (Alberto Pezzali / POOL / AFP)

GLASGOW — Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanks British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his “quick intervention” after yesterday’s fiasco, when Energy Minister Karine Elharrar could not access the COP26 conference because of her wheelchair.

“I think it’s a learning opportunity for all of us on the importance of disability for all,” Bennett says.

After apologizing to Elharrar at the outset of the meeting, Johnson says he is eager to learn from Israel’s COVID vaccine rollout.

“It’s been wonderful to hear the benefit of Israel’s experience,” says Johnson. “You had an astonishing vaccine rollout… I think there was one moment when we almost overtook you, but you basically showed the whole world a pretty clean pair of heels. And what’s been so powerful is the Israeli booster campaign.”

“I think that our country just totally understands what you have done, and we need everybody in our country to learn from the Israeli booster campaign and get their jab,” Johnson continues. “Our booster campaign is running now, and we need it to go with Israeli speed. I want some of that spirit in the UK as well.”

“We’re so darn proud of Minister Elharrar,” Bennett tells Johnson. “She’s just amazing.”

Israel’s leader adds: “You’re a huge friend to Israel. That’s no secret, and what we’ll be discussing is how we bring our relationship to the next level.”

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