Israel "No Arms Supply to Ukraine"... Maintaining Balanced Diplomacy Despite Russia-Iran Cooperation

"Support for Ukraine Only Within Limits"
Maintaining Relations with Russia Despite Controversy Over Iranian Drone Imports
High Proportion of Russian-Jewish Population... Also Abstained from Sanctions Against Russia

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Israel, a representative pro-American country in the Middle East, is facing international criticism for refusing to support the air defense system requested by Ukraine. Although voices within Israel are growing louder, urging active support for Ukraine as its enemy Iran supplies Russia with drones, ballistic missiles, and instructors, the Israeli government has repeatedly stated that it cannot provide weapons support to Ukraine.

Israel is evaluated to be maintaining balanced diplomacy by not participating in the sanctions against Russia led by the United States and the European Union (EU), while preserving relations with Russia. The Israeli government insists that it must consider its relationship with Russia, which is deeply involved in the Middle East situation such as the Syrian civil war. However, some point out that the political and economic influence of Russian Jews, who are closely tied to Vladimir Putin’s regime in Russia, is also at play.

"Cannot Provide Weapon Systems to Ukraine"... Early Warning System Support Confirmed

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the Associated Press on the 19th (local time), Benny Gantz, Israel’s Minister of Defense, stated in a briefing for EU member country ambassadors stationed locally that Israel will not support air defense systems such as the 'Iron Dome' requested by Ukraine. Minister Gantz emphasized, "Israel wants to stress that, based on various practical considerations, it will not provide weapon systems to Ukraine," adding, "As we have done so far, we will support Ukraine only within our limits."

Israel’s position is that air defense systems capable of shooting down enemy military aircraft and missiles are classified as weapon systems and therefore cannot be supported. However, Minister Gantz said, "We have decided to support the establishment of an early warning system for defensive purposes that save lives," expressing willingness to support the early warning system requested alongside the air defense system by Ukraine.

There is controversy inside and outside Israel over the refusal to provide weapons support to Ukraine. It was previously revealed that Iran, an enemy of Israel, supplied drones and ballistic missiles to Russia, and although the United States and Western countries are pressuring Israel to join in supporting Ukraine, the Israeli government emphasizes the principle of balanced diplomacy.

Minister Gantz, seemingly aware of public opinion, criticized Iran’s provision of weapons to Russia. He pointed out, "Iran will provide advanced weapons to Russia in the near future in addition to drones," and added, "Yet Iran lies that it does not sell weapons. These things are happening all over the Middle East."

Over 15% of Israel’s Population is Russian-Origin... Ties with Putin Regime

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Israel continues to claim the principle of balanced diplomacy and has not joined the sanctions against Russia led by the United States, the EU, and other Western countries. Officially, Israel states that it is cautious in diplomacy to avoid direct military confrontation with Russia, which already has a significant influence on the Middle East situation such as the Syrian civil war. However, some argue that the influence of Russian-origin Jews positioned in Israel’s political and economic circles cannot be ignored.

According to the BBC, about 1.5 million Russian-origin Jews reside in Israel, accounting for approximately 16% of Israel’s total population of about 9.2 million. At Israel’s founding in 1948, Russian-origin Jews, along with support from the Soviet Stalin regime at the time, played a role. Because Russian-origin Jews hold significant positions in Israel’s political and economic sectors, it is pointed out that even as a representative pro-American country in the Middle East, it is difficult for Israel to completely sever ties with Russia.

Among Russia’s emerging oligarchs closely tied to the Putin regime, there are also Russian-origin Jews. Roman Abramovich, the former Chelsea football club owner and currently known for playing a key mediating role in negotiations with Ukraine, is a representative figure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.