In a rare bilateral exchange, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. The conversation, the first official contact in eight months, focused on facilitating the annual spiritual pilgrimage of thousands of Jewish worshipers to Uman, Ukraine, during the Jewish New Year. Netanyahu reportedly urged Kyiv to help ensure the smooth entry of worshippers into Ukraine for the upcoming observances.
According to Netanyahu’s office, the meeting reaffirmed ongoing Israeli support for Ukraine and highlighted civil defense cooperation. The statement noted that both leaders discussed expanding development assistance for civil air defense systems in Israel, including support for Ukrainian refugees who may be affected by the conflict.
Netanyahu’s aides emphasized that every effort should be made to secure entry for Jewish pilgrims to Uman, preserving the freedom of worship while managing security and immigration concerns. The assurances came as thousands of worshipers prepare to make the annual journey to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslav, a centuries-old pilgrimage center that draws participants from around the world each year.
However, the situation has grown more complex in recent months. A surge in the number of Ukrainians seeking entry on tourist visas into Israel has sparked tensions and debate over visa policies. Kyiv has warned that it could restrict Israeli travelers during the holiday period unless a reciprocal stance on Ukrainian admissions is reconsidered. The Ukrainian ambassador to Israel has publicly signaled potential restrictions if policy changes are not forthcoming.
Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv has openly expressed dissatisfaction with various Israeli policy choices. While Israel has supplied humanitarian aid and defense equipment to Ukraine, it has stopped short of delivering offensive weapons, a decision tied to broader regional dynamics and the desire to avoid aggravating Moscow.
Beyond the immediate diplomatic wrangles, observers note that Moscow remains a key strategic partner for Israel in the broader regional conflict dynamic. Russia’s influence shapes the Syrian theater, where it backs Bashar al-Assad’s government and allows Israeli forces to conduct operations against Iranian-backed groups and other adversaries in the region. This backdrop continues to influence Israel’s security calculus and its interactions with both Kyiv and Moscow. Attribution: official statements and regional analysis drawn from government briefings and expert commentary.