Israel inks deal with Pfizer for millions of COVID vaccine doses for 2022

Israel has signed an agreement with Pfizer for the purchase of millions of coronavirus vaccine doses for 2022.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein announce the deal, which also includes options to buy millions of additional shots if needed. “The vaccines that were purchased and signed as an option will be adapted to deal with the variants,” a joint statement says.

Netanyahu hails the agreement, which had been held up due to political fights within the transitional Israeli government. He expresses hope that Israel will sign another deal with Moderna for the purchase of more shots.

Barring any variants that bypass the vaccines, “Israel will again lead the world in the fight against the coronavirus. There will be no more lockdowns — we’re out of it,” says Netanyahu.

The number of vaccine doses and the sum paid for the shots is not disclosed.