Netanyahu Considering Sending Iron Dome to Ukraine

By Hamodia Staff

YERUSHALAYIM – Israel, which has so far declined to send weapons to Ukraine, may soon relent and provide its Iron Dome air defense system.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu‏‏ said to the French media network LCI in an interview over the weekend that he is “considering” providing Kyiv with Iron Dome.

“We are working on our policy and will later inspect the possible consequences of doing so, but I can’t make any promises,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister added that Israel must weigh the possible consequences visa vis Russia, whose cooperation allows Israel freedom of operation against Iranian targets in Syria, where Russia also has military bases.

Netanyahu made a similar statement on CNN a few days earlier, saying they are “definitely considering” it.

He also said that he was prepared to serve as a mediator in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, if both sides and the United States agreed.

“If asked by all relevant parties, I’ll certainly consider it, but I’m not pushing myself in,” Netanyahu told CNN, adding that it would depend on the “right time and the right circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Kyiv has ratcheted up pressure for diplomatic and material support ahead of Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen’s visit to Kyiv.

According to Walla news, Ukraine is demanding a public condemnation of the ongoing Russian invasion and expression of support for the country’s territorial integrity. While serving as interim prime minister last year, Yair Lapid condemned the invasion and Israel voted for a U.N. resolution against it; but the new government has so far been more circumspect.

Ukraine has also asked Israel to approve a $500 million loan; treat hundreds of wounded soldiers and civilians; among other things, the report said, citing official sources.

A Ukrainian official was quoted as a saying that if Cohen wants to have a meeting with  President Volodymyr Zelensky, Israel will have to respond favorably to the demands. “The president won’t meet Cohen for a photo-op,” the official said, though an Israeli official predicted that they will meet.