Written by: Kate Norman
Article source: www.bridgesforpeace.com
The nation of Israel is constantly on the defense against external enemies. Historically the enemies were Israel’s neighbors seeking to wipe the Jewish state off the map. Today, a more covert enemy has infiltrated the nation in the form of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Israel’s defense leaders are adapting and have altered their tools to meet the new enemy, converting a missile factory to produce ventilators that will save the lives of infected patients in respiratory distress.
Since the COVID-19 coronavirus entered Israel and began spreading across the nation, nearly 11,145 people have been infected. The Health Ministry has warned that the Jewish state currently has access to about 2,000 ventilators—not enough to meet the demand should hospitals receive a sudden influx of infected patients.
The Israeli government, heeding the call of the Health Ministry, has imposed strict regulations on the public in order to curb the spread of the virus, requiring Israelis to stay home unless they need to run necessary errands, such as going to work or buying groceries.
The start-up nation is also utilizing its technological prowess to prepare for battling the coronavirus.
Israel’s Defense Ministry partnered with Inovytec medical company, which produces medical equipment, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the state-owned aerospace manufacturer for civilian and military use.
The collaborating partners teamed up to begin quick design and production of lifesaving ventilators, the Defense Ministry said. In just a few days, they produced 30 respirators in the IAI’s missile production factory and delivered them to the Health Ministry.
Ventilators are just one of many types of medical equipment that have skyrocketed in worldwide demand due to the pandemic. Nations are reportedly competing to buy the respiratory machines as well as protective suits, testing kits and other necessary equipment.
Producing its own ventilators is one way the Jewish state can become self-reliant, according to the defense minister.
“The State of Israel must develop independent capabilities in everything related to dealing with the COVID-19 virus pandemic,” Defense Minister Naftali Bennett stressed. “We cannot remain dependent on procurement from other countries. We must develop independent, advanced capabilities.”
The Jewish state has done just that, using its strengths and experience to adapt to a new type of enemy.
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Date published: 12/04/2020
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