Pfizer warns Israel: We are not philanthropists, pay up or go to back of vaccine line

Pfizer is warning to delay further shipments of vaccines to the occupation state of ‘Israel’ over a delay in payments, saying that ‘Israel’ could go to the back of the line if it does not pay up, Channel 12 reported on Friday.

Pfizer said it was working on a new deal to supply COVID-19 vaccines to ‘Israel’ after an initial supply agreement forged in late 2020 had ended, as Reuters news agency reported.

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech agreed in November to supply ‘Israel’ with an undisclosed number of COVID-19 vaccines and Israel’s Finance Ministry has said it paid some 2.6 billion shekels ($785 million).

‘Israel’ is seeking 36 million more doses, Reuters reported.

“The company is currently working with the Israeli government to update the agreement, to supply additional vaccines to the country. While this work continues, shipments may be adjusted,” Pfizer told the Reuters.

But a payment delay reportedly sparked a harsh warning from Pfizer, as Channel 12 said Pfizar warned ‘Israel’ this week that if the payments do not come in, the doses would be shipped elsewhere.

One official reportedly told Israel’s Health Ministry, “We are not philanthropists.”

Similar warnings were received from Moderna.

Late last month, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz canceled a cabinet meeting, which delayed ministers’ approval for purchasing additional vaccines.

Gantz said he canceled the meeting due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to allow the appointment of a justice minister.

‘Israel’ has been without a justice minister since last week, which hampers the Knesset’s ability to pass legislation, among other consequences.

During the canceled cabinet meeting, ministers were set to vote on a NIS 7 billion ($2.1 billion) spending package on coronavirus vaccines.