In a significant diplomatic development, Israel is weighing the possibility of transferring seized Russian-made weapons to Ukraine.
The proposal, announced through Facebook, was a key topic of discussion during a meeting on Tuesday, January 21, between Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Haskel, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk.
This initiative, if approved, could mark an important milestone in the relationship between the two nations, aligning their efforts against common threats.
Here’s what we know so far about this initiative.
A Gesture of Support
Ambassador Korniychuk expressed his gratitude to Deputy Minister Haskel for her proposal, initially made during a session at the Knesset, to provide Ukraine with Russian-made weapons confiscated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Lebanon or other conflicts involving Israel’s adversaries.
The Ukrainian side has emphasized that such a transfer would not only bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities but also symbolize a shared acknowledgment of the mutual threats posed by Russia and its allies.
“This initiative would represent an important step in recognizing the common threats faced by both countries,” the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel stated in a social media post.
The Ukrainian government expressed optimism for a positive resolution of the matter, which could significantly strengthen the ties between the two nations.
In a significant diplomatic development, Israel is weighing the possibility of transferring seized Russian-made weapons to Ukraine.
The proposal, announced through Facebook, was a key topic of discussion during a meeting on Tuesday, January 21, between Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Haskel, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk.
This initiative, if approved, could mark an important milestone in the relationship between the two nations, aligning their efforts against common threats.
Here’s what we know so far about this initiative.
A Gesture of Support
Ambassador Korniychuk expressed his gratitude to Deputy Minister Haskel for her proposal, initially made during a session at the Knesset, to provide Ukraine with Russian-made weapons confiscated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Lebanon or other conflicts involving Israel’s adversaries.
The Ukrainian side has emphasized that such a transfer would not only bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities but also symbolize a shared acknowledgment of the mutual threats posed by Russia and its allies.
“This initiative would represent an important step in recognizing the common threats faced by both countries,” the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel stated in a social media post.
The Ukrainian government expressed optimism for a positive resolution of the matter, which could significantly strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Seized Russian-Made Weapons
Over the years, Israel has confiscated a significant number of weapons during its military operations, particularly in conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Reports indicate that more than 60 percent of the weapons seized by the IDF during these operations were of Russian origin.
Among the captured arsenal are Draganov sniper rifles, SPG-9 launchers, Kornet anti-tank missiles, and the 9P163-1 portable launcher for the Kornet-E system.
Additionally, arms believed to be manufactured in Iran, such as 107-millimeter rockets, 81-millimeter mortars, PG-7 anti-tank rounds, and Toophan missile systems, were also seized.
These weapons, originally intended to target Israeli forces, could now be repurposed to aid Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
The potential transfer underscores Israel’s willingness to stand with Ukraine while simultaneously addressing broader geopolitical challenges.
The meeting between Haskel and Korniychuk also delved into the shared security threats posed by Iran and Russia.
Iran’s military support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, coupled with its alliance with Russia, has long been a concern for Israel.
This collaboration has extended to Ukraine’s battlefield, with Iran supplying Russia with Shahed drones, which have been deployed in aerial assaults against Ukrainian cities.
Israel and Ukraine both view Iran-Russia military cooperation as a direct threat to their national security.
Successful countermeasures, as emphasized by Ambassador Korniychuk, are therefore a shared interest.
The proposed transfer of weapons could be one such measure, reinforcing Ukraine’s defenses while symbolizing the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.
Broader Bilateral Collaboration
Beyond military considerations, the meeting highlighted opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations in other areas. Haskel and Korniychuk discussed enhancing economic, consular, and humanitarian cooperation.
Both parties expressed interest in intensifying high-level contacts to further solidify ties. Such collaboration could pave the way for a more comprehensive partnership, extending beyond the immediate security concerns.
If Israel proceeds with the transfer of these weapons, it would send a strong signal about its stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its broader approach to regional and global security. The move could also draw criticism from Russia, which has previously warned against military support to Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Israel’s potential decision aligns with its efforts to counter Iran’s influence and address the threats posed by its partnership with Russia.
A Critical Juncture
The proposed transfer of seized Russian-made weapons from Israel to Ukraine highlights the growing alignment between the two nations in the face of shared adversaries. It also underscores the complexities of navigating international relations amidst ongoing conflicts and shifting alliances.
As Israel weighs this bold step, the potential outcomes could redefine its role in the broader geopolitical landscape while offering Ukraine much-needed support in its fight for sovereignty.
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