Netanyahu says he spoke with Pfizer’s Jewish CEO, and that he believes Israel will secure a deal to purchase coronavirus vaccines from the company.
“I asked to speak with [CEO Albert Bourla], he agreed immediately. It turns out that Albert Bourla is very proud of his Greek and Jewish heritage… he told me he really appreciates the improvement in ties between Israel and Greece,” Netanyahu says in a video.
“After the conversation, that was very matter-of-fact and business-like, I am convinced we will seal a deal with Pfizer.”
A report on Channel 12 echoes Netanyahu’s claim that the two established a rapport, speaking about a synagogue in Thessaloniki where Bourla was married and which Netanyahu once visited.
Channel 12 reports the sides are discussing vaccines for three million people (six million doses, with each person getting two).
It also says Israel has agreed to a $100 million advance deposit for the vaccines.
Heather Lieberman (L), 28, receives a trial COVID-19 vaccination shot from Yaquelin De La Cruz at the Research Centers of America in Hollywood, Florida, on August 13, 2020. (Chandan Khanna/AFP)
Pfizer this week announced its third-phase trials had shown its vaccine to be 90 percent effective.
The vaccine has not yet received final approval for use, and it is not yet clear when it will, though it is likely to take several months before any vaccines reach Israel.
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