Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine did not confirm, but did not deny, the information that Israel has given consent to the export of anti-drone systems to Ukraine.
In an interview with Voice of America, Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, said that he was familiar with the publications on this topic, but could not confirm the information that Israel allowed two of its defense companies to sell anti-drone systems to Ukraine.
“I cannot comment on this information in any way. I know that indeed there was a discussion led by the Prime Minister about our defense contacts with Ukraine, but it is best to keep these contacts secret. I don’t think it’s right to discuss it in the press and in the public space,” said Ambassador Brodsky.
At the same time, he added that Israel is “very concerned” about cooperation between Russia and Iran, and “the use of Iranian weapons, primarily drones, against civilian targets in Ukraine.”
“We understand very well that today these drones are being used against Ukraine, and tomorrow they may be used against Israel. Therefore, we are studying the experience of Ukraine in countering these drones, we are working together with representatives of Ukraine at all possible levels. We have very good contacts and we will continue this work,” said Mikhail Brodsky in a conversation with “Voice of America”.
A message appeared on Wednesday Israeli correspondent of the publication Axios, which was disseminated by the Ukrainian media, that Israel approved defense exports for Ukraine for the first time since the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Citing Israeli and Ukrainian officials, the Israeli journalist writes that the approval of the export licenses by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen took place in mid-February, when Israel was reviewing its war policy at Netanyahu’s behest.
This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed military aid to Ukraine for the first time since taking office at a cabinet meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Galant, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Mossad chief David Barnea, Israeli media reported.
Until now, Israel has not provided military aid to Ukraine, fearing that such a move could create tension in relations with Russia and harm Israel’s security interests in Syria.
On Thursday, at a press conference in Germany, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his country provides not only humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but also plans to transfer early warning systems to the population about missile attacks, Ukrinform reports.
“We continue to work in this direction, as well as in other areas,” added the Israeli prime minister, quoted by the Ukrainian agency.
Meanwhile, observers remind that Joe Biden’s administration is persuading Israel to take more decisive steps to support Ukraine and calls for greater distancing from Russia.
