Caught on hot mic, Israeli health minister says ‘green pass’ not based on epidemiology, instead the purpose is just coercion to get vaccinated

Caught on hot mic, Israeli health minister says ‘green pass’ not based on epidemiology

Imposing “green pass” rules on certain venues is needed only to pressure members of the public to get vaccinated, and not for medical reasons, Israeli Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said on Sunday, ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting.

Horowitz was caught on a hot mic telling this to Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, who was also unaware that the conversation was being taped and would be broadcast on Channel 12 News.

In response to Shaked’s suggestion that the “green pass” could be removed as a requirement for outdoor seating at restaurants, Horowitz said: “For swimming pools, too, not just in restaurants.”

“Epidemiologically, it’s true,” said Horowitz, adding, “The thing is, I’m telling you, our problem is people who don’t get vaccinated. We need [to influence] them a bit; otherwise, we won’t get out of this [pandemic situation].”

Currently, he said, “there is a kind of universality to the ‘green pass’ system, other than at malls, where I think it should be imposed, [because] now it’s clear that it applies nowhere.”

Times of Israel: Health minister on hot mic: Some COVID restrictions are to incentivize vaccines

Several ministers were overheard prior to a cabinet meeting on Sunday saying that some coronavirus-related restrictions are only aimed at incentivizing vaccination, rather than driving down morbidity, while lamenting that the unvaccinated are taking up hospital beds.

“I also think you can remove the Green Pass for outdoor restaurants,” Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked told Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, in footage broadcast by Channel 12 news on Sunday evening.

The “Green Pass” is a document held by those who are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID, and is required to access most indoor public places, as well as crowded outdoor attractions.

“In pools, too, not just in restaurants. Epidemiologically it’s correct,” Horowitz responded to Shaked, noting that the Green Pass is not particularly needed at outdoor gatherings.