Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Wednesday confirmed that Israel does not plan to send Ukraine weapons, days after Russia warned that such a move would “destroy” bilateral ties.
“Israel will not transfer weapon systems to Ukraine for a variety of operational considerations,” Gantz declared during a meeting with European Union ambassadors. He noted that Israel “will continue to support Ukraine within our limitations, as we have done in the past.”
Scoop: The Ukrainian government sent Israel on Tuesday an official request for air defense systems that will allow it to counter any Iranian ballistic missiles and Iranian attack drones used by Russia in Ukraine. My story on @axioshttps://t.co/ShJbRCf573 pic.twitter.com/UTSsvxLLwH
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) October 19, 2022
“We have sent a request to the Ukrainians to share information about their needs for air defence alerts. Once we gain this information, we will be able to assist in the development of a life-saving civilian early-warning system,” he remarked.
While Gantz did not mention what “operational considerations” Israel faced, it is understood that they relate to the ongoing campaign of Israeli airstrikes in Syria and its reliance on Russia’s support to conduct airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria. To this end, he stressed that while Israel remains “on the side of the West,” it must be “careful.”
Also read: Russia’s Preeminence in Syria Means Israel Will Not Help Ukraine
Following Russia’s intervention in the 2015 civil war to prop up the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israel has been forced to maintain a direct line of communication with Russia regarding its operations to prevent an incident in which Israeli airstrikes target Russian forces. So far, Russia and Israel have established a common understanding regarding their role in the conflict.
In July, however, Russia demanded an “unconditional cessation” of Israeli airstrikes in Syria after Israeli warplanes struck Iranian targets located in the Syrian town of Al Hamidiyah in the port city of Tartus, where Russia has a naval facility. Later that month, Russia, Iran, and Turkey condemned Israeli airstrikes in Syria, saying that they destabilise the region. It was the second time in two months that the three countries condemned Israeli strikes and came shortly after Israel condemned Russian atrocities in Bucha and sent non-lethal weapons to Ukraine.
Therefore, Israel is keen on maintaining the status quo and not further jeopardising ties with Russia. It has thus far only provided Ukraine with humanitarian aid and protective equipment such as helmets and bulletproof vests, refraining entirely from providing advanced weaponry and defensive weapon systems.
Moscow has threatened to sever ties with Israel if it arms Ukraine. On Monday, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated that Israel supplying weapons to Ukraine would be a “reckless move” and “will destroy all interstate relations between our countries.” Medvedev accused Ukraine of supporting Nazis, saying Israel would declare its support for Nazis if it sent weapons.
Russia's removal of S-300 to Ukraine, drawdown of some ground troops which have benefited Iran's ground presence and reduction of airstrikes, as seen by reduced casualties, are examples of the ebb in Syria I am referring to
— Samuel Ramani (@SamRamani2) October 19, 2022
Russia's mission in Idlib and to protect Assad endures
Former Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu has also warned that weapons supplied to Ukraine could end up in the hands of Israel’s rivals, especially Iran, which has reportedly sent its paramilitary forces to Crimea to help Russia. Netanyahu said that while he is sympathetic to Ukraine’s cause, he is not in favour of sending weapons to Ukraine.
However, Kyiv has repeatedly asked Israel for defensive support and said it would once again seek Israel’s help just days ago. Axios reported that on Tuesday, the Ukrainian government officially requested Israel for air defence systems like the Iron Dome, Iron Beam, Barak-8, Patriot, David’s Sling, and the Arrow to defend against Iranian drones and ballistic missiles used by Russia. The request follows Ukraine’s move to completely cut ties with Iran for supplying Russia with the Shahed-136 and Mohajer-6 drones and the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles.
Two rogue states, russia and Iran, have joined forces to improve the tactics of the Shahed-drone terror.
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 17, 2022
Question: Which countries are the next targets? Is it time to stop the Shahed-terrorist?
📷 @AFP pic.twitter.com/uJlRinpzn5
Ukraine claims that Iran is sending combat drones to Russia, which has used them to deadly effect against Ukraine. Numerous reports have supported Ukraine’s claims and published images of Iranian drones attacking Ukrainian cities.
According to Ukraine and the United States, Iran has violated the United Nations Security Council resolution 2231, which bans Iran from transferring drones capable of flying 300 kilometres. However, Iran has denied any war involvement and stressed that it is a neutral observer. Iranian spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said on Wednesday that Iran is ready to hold “dialogue and negotiation with Ukraine to clear these allegations.” He stressed that the accusations “are part of the targeted and political propaganda campaign waged by the media of some countries” against Iran.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine has expressed disappointment over Israel’s refusal to send weapons. Ukrainian ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk said Kyiv is “disappointed” by Israel’s refusal to supply arms despite Iranian involvement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, “If Israel’s policy is really to consistently counter Iran’s destructive actions, then it is time for Israel to openly side with Ukraine,” Kuleba remarked. Kuleba is also scheduled to hold a phone conversation with Israeli PM Yair Lapid today regarding the supply of weapons.