Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought cooperation from the International Forces in the fight against Russia. It also includes the Middle East country Israel. Because of President Zelensky's Jewishness, Ukrainians also feel some sort of connection to Israel.
But Israel, which has pledged the support of Jews around the world, has not made any kind of military cooperation in Ukraine so far. Even Zelensky has spoken to Israeli PM Naftali Bennett five times so far.
Israel is famous for its military technology and power, but countries around the world including Ukraine are surprised that Israel's PM Naftali Bennett is unable to even bring the name of Russia on his tongue.
Is Israel really compelled or is there some other reason? Before knowing the expert opinion on this, you can give your opinion on the role of Israel here.
To understand Israel's role in the Ukraine-Russia war, we spoke to Yoni Mikani, a former Israeli military sergeant, Middle East expert, and PhD student at Northeastern University in the US. Here are the key excerpts from his conversation…
What role could Israel play in the Ukraine war?
As far as Israel is concerned, it is an associate member of the international system. Israel has criticized Russia's aggression and is sending all possible humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
People of Ukraine are asking for help from Israel, what is going on in Israel about this?
The people of Ukraine have asked the people of Israel for help. being posted on social media. We see that the people of Israel are ready to send all possible humanitarian aid. There have been marches in support of Ukraine across Israel. Israel is also providing humanitarian aid.
However, we are seeing that there is also a kind of fear that if Israel intervenes too much in Ukraine, it may have to see its consequences on its northern border. Russia controls the flow of weapons into Syria. If Israel is too active in Ukraine, Russia can destabilize the situation on its northern border with Syria.
Israel's PM Naftali Bennett
Israel's PM Naftali Bennett
Does Ukraine's military have Israeli military technology or weapons?
Not much is known about this as there has not been much military cooperation between Israel and Ukraine. I also have reasons to believe that the Ukrainian military will not have a lot of Israeli weapons or technology.
Zelensky is trying to create an international force, can the people of Israel join as well?
As for Zelensky's attempts to form an international force, I believe that the people of Israel should not fight on Ukrainian soil.
There are reports that Zelensky specifically sought cooperation from the Israeli people. I neither support US military forces fighting in Ukraine nor Israeli forces, because this is not an Israeli war, nor a US war. However, there are many ways through which Israel and the United States can and do support Ukraine in the fight.
Right now I think it would be more appropriate for Israel to cooperate with Western countries at the United Nations and other forums and be part of the criticism of Russia. Israel will have to stand with the international community not only against Russia, but also against the aggression of countries like China and Iran.
Six days after the war, what do you think, will Putin achieve his goals, what could happen next?
It has been almost a week since the fight and it now appears that Putin had underestimated Western cooperation for Ukraine. Not only this, the countries of Eastern Europe are also joining the international coalition that is being formed against Russia. These countries will soon start asking for NATO membership as well.
Now it also seems that Putin had also underestimated the internal protests in Russia over the attack on Ukraine. So far, more than 7,000 people have been detained in anti-war demonstrations in St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia.
Now it is also visible to what extent the people of Ukraine are ready to counter Putin. That will decide the outcome of this war.
The Russian army has not been able to enter Kyiv despite many efforts. However, it would not be correct to say that Ukraine's resistance will last forever.
In the current situation, it is the responsibility of the West to continue to support Ukraine's military and ensure that the Ukrainian army has enough weapons to fight.
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