In both PCR and genetic flooring tests performed in recent days on returnees from abroad who agreed to be tested, three people were found to be carrying a new sub-strain of Omicron - BA.2.75. The travelers had been in France, and it is suspected this is where they contracted the virus.

It originated most likely in India, with cases also being discovered in the United States, England, Germany, and Japan. Immune system expert Professor Cyril Cohen noted, "We have found mutations that can contribute to an existing antidote process as well, but that comes with a stronger adhesion to our cells".

Professor Cohen further explains that despite the infected had been in France, "this is a strain that was probably discovered and developed in India a few weeks ago.”

“It is a descendant of the BA.2 strain, and with it, two other sub-strains were discovered (ba.2.74 and ba. 2.76) It was surprising that it was discovered at once in several provinces in India, so it seems to have been multiplying there for some time, but this could also indicate an increased rate of spread. Since then, it has been discovered in several countries like USA, England, Germany, and Japan.”

"The new sub-strain," Professor Cohen adds, "has two interesting, relatively new mutations - g446s and r493q that can contribute to an existing antidote evasion process as well as stronger adhesion to our cells. Its number of mutations in the receptor is higher than in ba5."

In general, the ‘anti-vaxxer’ movement in Israel was not as prominent as in other countries, leading to many healthy Israeli getting all three vaccines offered to the general public. A key element to the relatively small resistance to vaccines is where they are manufactured.

Former Prime Minister Netanyahu pushed for the vaccines that were to be given to Israelis to be overwhelmingly made in Israel, limiting suspicions people had and keeping any larger conspiracy theories to a minimum.

COVID protocols in Israel have been mostly lifted, with a few small exceptions.