Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sat down Tuesday evening with with Jerusalem Post journalist Lahav Harkov at a Tel Aviv International Salon Townhall to discuss the challenges Israel currently faces, including the fight against the coronavirus and the Iranian threat.
"I think Israel is coming out in a remarkable way with the green passport, ahead of any other country in the world. And we're gonna have mutual exchanges with countries. We already have several countries coming here. We're gonna exchange Green Passports. I think that's coming very soon," he said.
"Within a few weeks we're going to finish inoculating the whole adult population of Israel, and we'll have reciprocal arrangements with the United States," Netanyahu declared.
"Israel is leading the world in vaccines. Israel is leading the world in coming out of the economy, and I personally devote myself this year to the economy so that we are not merely the world champions of vaccines - vaccination nation - we're also going to be the world champions in having the fastest growing economy," he added.
Netanyahu said that the first day the new government is formed, he will ensure a new budget is passed into law.
Netanyahu stated that besides the NIS 100 billion the country has invested in providing economic relief to its citizens, an additional stimulus package will go into effect.
Contrasting his experience in the economy with the inexperience of his rivals, especially Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, Netanyahu said: "to revive Israel's economy, you need a pair of safe hands, experienced hands."
Addressing concerns that his disagreements with the Biden Administration over how to deal with the Iranian nuclear threat, Netanyahu said: "President Biden, Joe, and I have had a very close relationship for close to 40 years. I'm not just saying it. It's real."
"Beyond that, I have a close relationship with the American public. I know them very well ... and they know me very well, and they respect me," he said. "But when I deal with the United States, our indispensable ally, under changing administrations, I always remember one thing: I represent the State of Israel. I don't represent Republican interests. I don't represent Democratic interests. I represent Israeli interests. And when I need to take a stand for something that I think is important for Israel's survival and security, I don't hesitate to do it under any administration."