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Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz has announced that Israel is considering supplying Ukraine with early-warning systems to help warn civilians of incoming Russian strikes.
Following Ukraine’s statement that it would formally request for Israel to supply it with air defence systems, such as the Iron Dome, Gantz told a gathering of EU officials that although Israel has ruled out supplying these weapons, it will consider providing early warning systems to the Ukrainian military. On Wednesday, Gantz also announced that he plans to approve a further additional defensive aid package to Ukraine.
A statement from the Defence Minister’s office read: “Israel supports and stands with Ukraine, NATO, and the West. This is something we have said in the past and repeat today. Israel has a policy of supporting Ukraine via humanitarian aid, and the delivery of life-saving defensive equipment”. The statement continued: “That being said… We have sent a request to the Ukrainians to share information about their needs for air defence alerts. Once we gain this information, we will be able to assist in the development of a life-saving civilian early-warning system”.
Ukraine has been targeted by deadly suicide drones over the last few weeks, which have already killed several civilians and destroyed critical infrastructure. Reports indicate the drones are Iranian-made and could be being supplied by Iran. Gantz stated: “We are following Iran’s involvement in the war in Ukraine. We see that Iran provides UAVs and in the near future may also provide additional advanced systems”.
Israel’s position is complicated by several factors, including its attempt to protect the Jewish citizens of Russia and Ukraine as well as Russia’s continued military presence in Syria where Israel undertakes ongoing military strikes against Iranian attempts to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah and establish a military foothold in the country; the two countries operate a deconfliction mechanism.
