Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he is considering offering military aid to Ukraine and mediating efforts to resolve the conflict in the eastern region of the country.
The announcement came during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Jerusalem, where the two leaders discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine and ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Netanyahu stated that Israel is “ready to extend its hand in friendship to Ukraine” and is considering providing military aid to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. The military aid could include the supply of weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment, as well as the training of Ukrainian military personnel by Israeli experts.
The Prime Minister also expressed his willingness to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia to help resolve the conflict in the eastern region of the country, where pro-Russian separatists have been fighting Ukrainian government forces since 2014. He emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and expressed hope that his mediation efforts could contribute to this end.
In response, President Zelensky expressed gratitude for Israel’s support and expressed hope that the two countries could strengthen their bilateral relations in various fields, including security, trade, and tourism. He also expressed appreciation for Netanyahu’s offer to mediate the conflict, saying that Ukraine is always open to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict through dialogue.
The announcement of possible military aid and mediation efforts by Israel comes amid growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both countries accusing each other of violating a ceasefire agreement in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 13,000 people and has destabilized the region, causing a major humanitarian crisis.
In recent years, Israel has been increasing its military cooperation with Ukraine and other countries in the region, as part of its efforts to expand its security and military presence in the region. This move is seen as part of Israel’s strategy to counter Russian influence in the region and to promote stability and security in the area.
The meeting between Netanyahu and Zelensky is seen as a significant step towards further strengthening the relationship between Israel and Ukraine, and a demonstration of their mutual commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
In conclusion, the announcement of possible military aid and mediation efforts by Israel is a significant development in the ongoing situation in Ukraine, and will likely be closely watched by the international community. The world is hoping that these efforts will help to bring peace and stability to the region and to the lives of the people affected by the conflict.