Ukraine has accused Israel's nemesis Iran of supplying cheap drones to Russia. Kyiv is pressuring Tel Aviv to give up its restraint on arms deliveries. But Defense Minister Gantz promptly declined: the powerful Israeli air defense system will remain in the country.
Despite the Russian attacks on Ukraine with Iranian-made combat drones, Israel continues to refuse arms deliveries. "I would like to emphasize that Israel will not supply weapons systems to Ukraine because of a number of operational considerations," Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz told ambassadors from EU countries. We stand with Ukraine, NATO and the West and will continue to send humanitarian aid, he affirmed at the same time. Israel could also help Ukraine set up an early warning system that could save lives. The country was therefore asked for information about its air alert needs. Israel has very advanced capabilities because it is itself repeatedly attacked with rockets.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced on Tuesday evening that he would ask Israel for air defense systems. "If Israel's policy really is to consistently oppose Iran's destructive actions, then it is time for Israel to openly side with Ukraine," Kuleba said. According to information from Kyiv, more than 70 people have been killed by drone and rocket attacks in the past few days.
Israel is largely holding back in Russia's war of aggression, which has been going on for almost eight months, so as not to jeopardize its relations with Moscow. Diaspora Minister Nachman Shai recently demanded that, in view of the Iranian supplies to Russia, Israel must deviate from this position and also supply Ukraine with weapons. So far, that's not the official line.
A military expert from the Israeli newspaper "Jediot Achronot" wrote that Israel will not provide Ukraine with the Iron Dome missile defense system for various reasons. "First, we don't have enough ourselves," he wrote. In addition, Israeli soldiers with the appropriate expertise would have to operate the defense batteries.
