With recent shifts in the Middle East, particularly the weakened grip of the Assad regime in Syria and a reduced Russian presence, some experts believe this could open new avenues for collaboration between Israel and Ukraine.
Yuli Edelstein, the chair of Israel’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and a prominent member of the ruling Likud party, emphasized the need for Israel to step up its support for Ukraine. “Given the changes in the geopolitical landscape, it’s time for Israel to get more involved,” Edelstein stated, noting that the ongoing partnership between Russia and Iran poses a serious threat.
Edelstein highlighted how Iranian weapons, especially drones and missiles, have played a crucial role for Russian forces. He argued that Israel’s position should be clearer in backing Ukraine, which is facing similar threats from Iran’s advanced weaponry.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniychuk, expressed concerns over what he sees as Israel’s hesitant stance. He urged Israel to move beyond its current position of providing only humanitarian aid and to consider military assistance, given the shrinking role of Russia in Syria. “There are growing threats from Iran that both our countries face,” Korniychuk said, adding that Israel’s expertise in air defense could significantly benefit Ukraine’s military efforts.
Despite the cautious rhetoric from Israel, behind-the-scenes intelligence sharing has seen significant growth. An Israeli official shared that the collaboration between intelligence agencies in Israel and Ukraine has strengthened much more than political relations. This has encouraged hopes for greater military cooperation in the future.
Rebekah Koffler, a strategic military analyst, warned that while there is pressure for Israel to support Ukraine, its primary focus should remain on its own security in the region, particularly concerning Iran. Koffler pointed out that maintaining a stable relationship with Russia can provide Israel with strategic advantages regarding its standing with other key players in the Middle East.
However, Daniel Vajdich, a foreign policy expert, believes the time is right for Israel to provide support to Ukraine. He pointed to recent developments as an opportunity for Israel to step up collaboration, especially given Ukraine’s ongoing war efforts against Russia.
The changing dynamics have left Ukraine hopeful that Israel will reassess its current policy and consider supplying defensive technology, as the geopolitical landscape evolves. The Ukrainian ambassador noted that with the diminishing Russian influence in Syria, Israel no longer has the same justification for its cautious stance and should lean towards closer ties with Ukraine.
As the situation continues to develop, both countries could find common ground in their shared challenges, potentially leading to a stronger partnership in the face of mutual threats.
