Israel’s governments had to make critical decisions about handling the epidemic and its consequences from February 2020 to August 2023. Despite the benefits, Engelman believes that certain decisions, like the exclusivity granted to Pfizer, involved risks to public health. He emphasizes the importance of corona vaccines in the country’s strategy to combat the crisis.
The audit also revealed a lack of national lessons learned procedures after the first to third waves of the epidemic. Engelman recommends establishing a mechanism for decision-making during national crises, with clear instructions and coordination. He suggests delegating authority to a committee of ministers for optimal management.
The Prime Minister’s Office responded by highlighting the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decisions during the epidemic. Engelman also suggests regulating decision-making in limited groups during exceptional circumstances and establishing an operational body for crisis management. He recommends publicizing the activities of these mechanisms. The overall goal is to ensure efficient and optimal management of national crises, taking into account the lessons learned from past events.
