Responding to the news that the FDA has granted authorization to Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said: "I am delighted that the Pfizer vaccine has passed this critical milestone, which is also very significant for Israeli citizens. I have instructed Health Ministry officials to examine the FDA's approval and submit their recommendations, hopefully within the next few days. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry will be continuing to prepare for a mass vaccination program which should be commencing this month."