By Ben Kerrigan-
Israel and Britain are exploring the possibility of a ‘green travel corridor’ between them
Israel’s foreign ministry announced the news today following the success of the two countries’ vaccination drives.
The topic was discussed at a meeting between Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and British Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove in Jerusalem on Monday.
Israel said last week it will start allowing the limited entry of vaccinated tourist groups as of 23 May.
Mr Gove landed in Jerusalem yesterday to discuss the success of the vaccination roll out in Israel, and work on plans for a mutual scheme involving vaccination passports in relation to travel to and from both countries. During a meeting at the Foreign Ministry, a path for new bi-lateral tourism agreements was discussed, that would include use of the green pass for visitors to and from Israel and the U.K.
The leaders also discussed regional issues including the return to the 2015 nuclear deal.
Ashkenazi also asked Gove to express Israel’s gratitude for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s expressed concerns over the intention of the International Criminal Court to probe possible Israeli war crimes.
The cabinet minister has been tasked with the duty of examining the befits and disadvantages of establishing a system of vaccinated passports in the UK.
The idea of vaccination passports for travel has led to objections from Mps in the UK, who fear it could lead to a two tier system that discriminates against those who choose not to be vaccinated.
“We will promote, together with the UK, mutual recognition of vaccines in order to allow tourists and business people from both countries to safely return to their routines,” a statement from Mr Ashkenazi said.
Israel and Britain had made “great progress” in their vaccination campaigns, opening the “possibility of creating a green travel corridor”, the ministry said.
However, it gave no timeline for implementing such a measure, which apparently would apply only to vaccinated travellers.