In remarks captured from an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the movement of Western weapons that had been supplied to Ukraine and appeared near Israel’s borders. He noted that Tel Aviv is not rushing to deliver further arms to Kiev, emphasizing a careful approach to how weapons provided to Ukraine could circle back and potentially threaten Israel, including the risk of falling into Iran’s hands. He pointed to real-world instances of anti-tank weapons from Western suppliers ending up near Israel, underscoring the need for heightened caution.
Netanyahu described Israel as occupying a “special position” that sets it apart from other Western countries that have supported Ukraine, Germany, or Poland. He highlighted the country’s close military border with Russia and the ongoing collaboration with Russian pilots in Syria. He stressed the importance of preserving Israel’s freedom of movement and its security interests, especially in the face of Iran’s efforts to establish a stronger military foothold on Israel’s northern flank.
Ukraine has repeatedly approached Tel Aviv with requests for military aid, including the Iron Dome air defense system. Israel, however, has consistently declined those requests. At the same time, Kiev has received humanitarian relief and non-lethal military equipment. Israeli specialists were reportedly prepared to assist Ukraine in installing a new air raid warning system as part of humanitarian and support efforts.
Netanyahu also signaled that Israel could serve as a mediator in future Russia-Ukraine peace discussions. He clarified that Israelis oppose killing in Ukraine and expressed sorrow for the Ukrainian casualties. He described Israeli mediation as a hypothetical but plausible possibility and stressed the precautionary stance in international relations, noting that there is both sympathy and civil defense support, but clear lines must be drawn and understood.
He reiterated that Western partners recognize Israel’s distinct situation and position on the conflict, a sentiment he said is acknowledged by those Western governments as well.
On June 21, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant spoke by phone with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. The officials discussed the war zone in Ukraine and the reported involvement of Iran. The Israeli Defense Ministry’s press service stated that Galant was briefed on ground developments and expressed concern for the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, with both ministries agreeing to maintain ongoing contact.
That same day, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president’s office, asserted that Israel could help Kiev defend itself against drone attacks, arguing that Israeli expertise against Iranian drones could be decisive for Ukraine. He also expressed hope for a joint initiative to advance cooperation in this area. Previously, Yermak accused the Israeli government of taking a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict and urged Tel Aviv to offer greater support to Kiev.