FOCUS on Vaccine Diplomacy: Israel

The world’s most pressing challenge is the rush to inoculate everyone against COVID-19 and achieve herd immunity. Some countries choose to exchange vaccines with foreign nations to reward compliant behavior, while others seek to help countries that do not have access to vaccines. The Soufan Center, a non-profit research center, calls this a “new arms race,” states  France 24. Amid this “vaccine diplomacy” race, Israel is demonstrating its power to the international community and stands as number one in global vaccine rollouts. The country vaccinated almost 60 percent of its residents over 16 years old with the first dose, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

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Israeli Prime Minister Charged with Corruption

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s longest serving prime minister, has been charged with three counts of corruption. According to BBC News, Netanyahu is accused of fraud and a breach of trust. His opponents allege that he accepted expensive gifts, such as cigars and wines, from billionaire businessmen.

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Corruption and Confusion Embroils in Israel’s Recent Election

For the past couple of weeks, Israelis have woken up uncertain about the future of their government and who will become the Prime Minister. Recent elections have rocked the country after elections revealed a close race between two of the more major parties, the Blue and White Party and the Likud Party.

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Netanyahu Responds to Opposition’s Call to Welcome Refugees

Netanyahu claims that while Israel is “not indifferent to the human tragedy of the refugees,” the country is not in a position to take them in. This statement came in response to Israel’s liberal opposition leader Isaac Herzog, who firmly proclaimed Jewish history’s moral obligation to show compassion.

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