Ukrainian President, Zelensky Appeals To Israel To Mediate With Russia To Stop War
Category: World News
While the Russian troops are encircling Kyiv and other cities and the fighting
is intensifying, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling on the
outside world to support its resistance and appealing for mediation to bring
about a cease-fire and a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Russia.
“We want the negotiations to take place in Jerusalem,” Zelensky was quoted as having told Bennett, expressing hope that he could help negotiate a ceasefire because of Israel’s good relations with both Ukraine and Russia. “We think that Israel is the country that could hold such negotiations in the middle of the war.” Israel did not reply immediately to his request.
In Israel, the issue is sensitive because of Russia’s involvement in Syria and the need to coordinate with Russia as regards military operations in the country. While Israel has said that it is prepared to provide humanitarian assistance, it has been sitting on the fences until recently.
Only last Thursday did Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid condemn the Russian invasion as a blatant violation of international agreements and expressed support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Prime Minister Bennet, who met Putin last year, was more careful and did not mention the Russian invasion.
“Like everyone else, we pray for peace and calm in Ukraine, and still hope that dialogue will lead to a resolution. These are difficult and tragic moments, and our hearts are with the civilians that, through no fault of their own, have been thrust into this situation. Israel will mobilize to extend humanitarian aid as needed. We have the capability; we are experienced and we will help Ukraine’s citizens as much as possible.”
“Israel is secondary actor here and should not take sides,” commented Oded Eran, a former Israeli ambassador to the EU. “Perhaps Europe and the US will ask us to come out unequivocally in favour of the West, but Israel should not adopt an overtly sharp stance. Israel’s interests are complex and must consider Russia’s regional presence, especially in Syria, as well the Iran-Russia connections and the Jews in Russia.”
“We want the negotiations to take place in Jerusalem,” Zelensky was quoted as having told Bennett, expressing hope that he could help negotiate a ceasefire because of Israel’s good relations with both Ukraine and Russia. “We think that Israel is the country that could hold such negotiations in the middle of the war.” Israel did not reply immediately to his request.
In Israel, the issue is sensitive because of Russia’s involvement in Syria and the need to coordinate with Russia as regards military operations in the country. While Israel has said that it is prepared to provide humanitarian assistance, it has been sitting on the fences until recently.
Only last Thursday did Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid condemn the Russian invasion as a blatant violation of international agreements and expressed support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Prime Minister Bennet, who met Putin last year, was more careful and did not mention the Russian invasion.
“Like everyone else, we pray for peace and calm in Ukraine, and still hope that dialogue will lead to a resolution. These are difficult and tragic moments, and our hearts are with the civilians that, through no fault of their own, have been thrust into this situation. Israel will mobilize to extend humanitarian aid as needed. We have the capability; we are experienced and we will help Ukraine’s citizens as much as possible.”
“Israel is secondary actor here and should not take sides,” commented Oded Eran, a former Israeli ambassador to the EU. “Perhaps Europe and the US will ask us to come out unequivocally in favour of the West, but Israel should not adopt an overtly sharp stance. Israel’s interests are complex and must consider Russia’s regional presence, especially in Syria, as well the Iran-Russia connections and the Jews in Russia.”
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