Ambassador Friedman mentioned in his opening remarks that the political clause from the three 1970's agreements took over a year of processes in the US to be removed, before this historic signing event. 

The following are excerpts from the Prime Minister's remarks in Hebrew.

"Today, we are applying the Israel-US science agreement to Judea and Samaria, and the Golan Heights. This is a great change. This is a victory against all of the organizations and countries that boycott Judea and Samaria. We will not stop taking action so that the entire area will prosper and flourish. The scientific cooperation agreement is especially important at this time when we are dealing with the coronavirus. 

I am working day and night to procure vaccines for the citizens of the State of Israel. There is a global competition to see who will acquire vaccines first. We are working on three horizons: First, independent production via the Israel Institute for Biological Research. Second, we are working through the Health Ministry with the leading global companies. Third, I am personally active with prominent leaders of countries around the world, beginning with US Vice President Pence, who is responsible for dealing with the coronavirus in the US, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and with European leaders with whom I speak on almost a daily basis. I will continue to act in order to ensure that our citizens will have enough vaccines, and at the right time. This is our greatest mission in the fight against the coronavirus because it is what will take us out of the coronavirus routine and – of course – from the tough restrictions that we have been experiencing of late. 

Tomorrow in the Corona Cabinet we will discuss the comprehensive outline and I will also discuss with the Education Minister and people from the Federation of Local Authorities on improving the education outline. We are checking various possibilities. 

The coronavirus is raising its head around the world; therefore, I demand that our exit plan be gradual and responsible. We are making peace for peace, are strengthening Israel, and are making the right decisions that have lowered our level of morbidity, at a time when the countries of Europe are experiencing very high morbidity amidst a second deadly wave of the coronavirus. We will continue to act responsibly. We will continue to make the right decisions in order to save the lives of Israeli citizens and in order to safeguard their health.

 I have come from an IDF exercise in the north and I can tell you that I am impressed that even during the coronavirus we are continuing to develop our military capabilities. These incorporate a very impressive scientific and technological development that greatly strengthens the military capabilities of the State of Israel against Hezbollah, against any other enemy. It would be worth their while to take this into account.

We are in Ariel, in the university in Ariel, and there are three people which I would like to also mention: The late Ron Nachman, whose vision and marvelous commitment built this city, the late Yigal Cohen Orgad, whose tireless vision and commitment built this university, and my friend, the late Prof. Moshe Arens who did everything in his power so that my governments would indeed realize this, and we remember them all for good, not only with great affection but with great esteem."

(For his English remarks, please click here.)

The photo essay are screen captures from the ceremony which was broadcast by the Government Press Office on a live stream.