Ukraine’s envoy to Israel praised Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s continuous efforts to mediate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling these efforts “phenomenal” and “far more than weaponry.”
Peace in Jerusalem?
Yevgen Korniychuk appeared to retract prior remarks in which he chastised Israel for failing to provide Ukraine with military aid.
He went on to say Kyiv sees Jerusalem as a possible venue for a Russia-Ukraine conference. On Monday, Korniychuk stated, “Thank you for the reconciliation endeavor; this is valuable for us.”
“This is far more vital than weapons and ammunition sales, which we continue to fight for, but we appreciate [your reason for not delivering them].”
He went on to say, “Our government regards Jerusalem as a suitable location for talks with Russia.”
Bennett traveled quickly to Moscow, as well as Berlin, on Saturday to meet with Vladimir Putin, as well as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, stating Israel has a “moral duty” to do everything within its ability to end human misery in Ukraine.
Outside Lviv station, which is thronging with exhausted refugees fleeing war in eastern Ukraine, an accomplished pianist is playing “What a Wonderful World.” It’s hauntingly beautiful.Stop the war, live in peace, look to the future #russia #ukraine pic.twitter.com/6GMycXjkjV
— ༺༒༻ (@w2w0w2w2w) March 7, 2022
In a 24-hour span, Netanyahu has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky three times.
Hundreds of Israelis are stranded in Ukraine, as well as Jewish religious minorities being “under anguish,” he said.
Bennett claimed Israel was prepared for a big influx of eligible Ukrainians. Approximately 200,000 Ukrainians are qualified for Israeli citizenship. On Sunday, about 400 people arrived.
“This is a problem for the state of Israel,” he continued, “but it is a task we have met before, time after time.”
“Moments like today, when the globe is in turmoil and Jews are no longer secure where they are, reminds us all of the importance of having a home for Jews, no matter who they are, and of having the State of Israel.”
Israel Finds Itself in the Middle of This
Israel is one of the few Democratic countries that is both a Russian and Ukrainian ally; it has therefore avoided choosing sides since Moscow’s incursion.
As a result, Jerusalem organizes all airstrikes against Iranian forces in Syria with Moscow, which has a strong military presence in Syria and dominates the skies.
Russia has been bombing many cities since last week, including: Kyiv, Midales, Odessa, and Vinnitsa International Airport. Our national fire department has been carrying out rescue activities.#war #relief #Ucrania #Ukraine #Airport #raid #Odessa #Vinnytsia #Europe #fireman pic.twitter.com/13nAOtWfeb
— Vinnytsia Fire department🇺🇦 (@ZhovnaKa) March 7, 2022
While Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Yair Lapid called Russia’s invasion a “clear violation of the world order,” the country refrained from explicitly denouncing Russia or sending military aid.
Israel has almost 1.5 million Russian citizens; both Ukraine, as well as Russia, have major Jewish communities and Israel regards itself as a guardian of Jews in the Diaspora.
Bennett’s decision to fly to Moscow on the Sabbath, in violation of the holy day’s restrictions prohibiting air travel, was also criticized by Korniychuk. If lives are in jeopardy, however, it is permissible to desecrate the Sabbath.
“We don’t know if [those meetings] were useful or not, but the idea the party leader left the country to discuss peace during Shabbat is unusual,” Korniychuk added.
Ukraine will keep asking Israel to deliver weaponry and protection gear, he said.
