update desk

Israeli political and defense brass review Ukraine policy

Jerusalem is reportedly looking at options to provide defensive military assistance to Kyiv in a way that would not raise tensions with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a joint press conference in Jerusalem on Jan. 24, 2020. Credit: Office of the President of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a joint press conference in Jerusalem on Jan. 24, 2020. Credit: Office of the President of Ukraine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss military support for Ukraine as it fends off a Russian invasion now entering its second year.

Hebrew media reported that the premier was presented with a reexamination of Jerusalem’s policy toward the war, which Kyiv has criticized for not going far enough.

The Israeli government has countered this criticism by pointing out its security considerations, with Russia controlling much of the airspace in neighboring Syria, where Israel is attempting to counter Iranian entrenchment.

However, a senior official told Walla! News that an increasing number of senior officials in the defense and security establishments believe that Israel should start providing more military aid to Kyiv, in ways that will not ramp up tensions with Moscow. For example indirectly, by transferring Israeli weapon systems to Ukraine via third countries.

Russia has warned Israel against supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Mossad chief David Barnea, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Foreign Ministry Director-General Ronen Levy, Netanyahu’s military secretary Avi Gil and others were present at the meeting.

The meeting came a day before Netanyahu’s scheduled departure for Berlin, where he was expected to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday for the first time since taking office following Israel’s Nov. 1 election.

Germany is another country that has received criticism for not providing enough military equipment to Ukraine. Under pressure from allies, Berlin in early February approved the delivery of 88 Leopard 1 tanks to Kyiv.

Military assistance to Ukraine is expected to be on the agenda during the meeting between Netanyahu and Scholz.

Israel has come under pressure from the United States and other Western allies to provide more military assistance to Ukraine, such as missile defense systems.

You have read 3 articles this month.
Register to receive full access to JNS.

Just before you scroll on...

Israel is at war. JNS is combating the stream of misinformation on Israel with real, honest and factual reporting. In order to deliver this in-depth, unbiased coverage of Israel and the Jewish world, we rely on readers like you. The support you provide allows our journalists to deliver the truth, free from bias and hidden agendas. Can we count on your support? Every contribution, big or small, helps JNS.org remain a trusted source of news you can rely on.

Become a part of our mission by donating today
Topics
Comments
Thank you. You are a loyal JNS Reader.
You have read more than 10 articles this month.
Please register for full access to continue reading and post comments.
Never miss a thing
Get the best stories faster with JNS breaking news updates