JERICHO – After Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Coliba stated on Tuesday that his nation would send an official memorandum to Israel requesting immediate air defence supplies and cooperation in this area, Israel today, Wednesday, made clear that it would not be giving Ukraine any weapons. This was the first official response.
Two days after Russia issued a warning that any action taken by Israel to back Kyiv’s military would seriously hurt bilateral relations, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz confirmed that Israel will not supply weapons to Ukraine.
“We won’t alter our stance on Ukraine. We will continue to stand by the West and assist him, but we won’t offer any weapons systems “According to a statement released by his office, Gantz said in a statement to the ambassadors of the European Union.
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tel Aviv has taken a cautious diplomatic stance in an effort to preserve its relations with Moscow. Russia is present in the neighbouring country of Syria, and Tel Aviv wants to keep up its airstrikes on Iranian targets because Iran is its archenemy.
Israeli officials emphasised the importance of maintaining good ties with Russia, particularly in light of the more than a million former Soviet Union citizens who now reside in the Hebrew state. A return to the Cold War, when Jews in the Soviet Union were largely cut off from Israel and the Israeli position incensed Ukraine, was discouraged.
Jewish-origin Ukrainian President Vladimir Zellinski has condemned Israel’s stance on numerous times for failing to resolutely and forcefully oppose Russia’s invasion of his nation.
Gantz said on Wednesday that Israel will continue to give “humanitarian aid to Ukraine,” including “defensive equipment to save life” and not weapons as Kyiv demands. The Israeli position on the Russian invasion has undergone a remarkable development in recent months, moving from neutral to widespread condemnation. It’s expected that the Israeli government will shortly accept a “additional package” of aid.
After former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accused Israel of “appearing to be prepared to provide the Kyiv regime with weaponry,” Gantz indicated that Israel is no longer considering providing weapons “due to a series of operational factors”.
Such a move would be a “very foolish step that will damage all bilateral relations,” according to the former prime minister who is currently the Russian Vice-President of the Council of Security Council.
Israel declines to give Ukraine any weaponry in exchange for not upsetting Russia
About Author
