BICOM

Israel backs Ukrainian territorial integrity

What happened: Israel’s Foreign Ministry has released a statement that Israel “recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” following Russia referendums in occupied areas of Eastern Ukraine.

• According to the announcement Israel, “will not accept the results of the referendum in the Eastern districts of Ukraine.”
• The announcement came after Russia organised voting in four Ukrainian regions; Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia which are partially controlled by the Russia militarily.
• Israel’s position is aligned with other Western countries that question the legality and authenticity of the referendums.
• In parallel, over the last few day Russia has begun to deploy Iranian attack drones.     On Monday, three Iranian suicide drones were shot down by Ukrainian air defence near the port city of Odesa.
• Yesterday it was reported that Russia fired at least 10 Iranian drones at the Ukrainian city of Uman. That attack coincided with thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews from abroad visiting Uman on a pilgrimage to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a leading figure of Hasidic Judaism.
• Thousands of Jewish worshipers maintained their tradition of visiting Uman on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, despite Prime Minister Lapid calling on Israel citizens not to visit Uman this year, “in light of the life-threatening danger posed by entering the area of fighting.”
• Also this week, for the first time, Israel received 20 Ukrainian soldiers who were seriously wounded in fighting Russia. The first two Ukrainian soldiers arrived in Sheba Medical Center for treatment and rehabilitation.

Context: The Israeli statement, and the treating of injured Ukrainian combatants is a step change from a more cautious approach.

• It follows criticism last week by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who was “shocked” that Israel did not supply their anti-missile defence system to Ukraine.
• Israel’s reluctance to send military hardware to Ukraine is based on their complicated relationship with Russia, their de-facto northern neighbour in Syria.  By necessity, Israel maintains a direct deconfliction mechanism with Russia and has serious concerns over Iranian entrenchment and the supply of advanced weapons inside Syria.
• Military experts have also questioned the suitability of Israel’s Iron Dome system, if it would be effective against heavy Russian munitions.
• Israel efforts to support the Ukrainian people have focused on humanitarian aid. Israel has supplied more than 100 tonnes of aid, including 17 tonnes of medical equipment and medicines, Israeli water purification systems and emergency water supply kits.
• Israel was also the first country to set up a field hospital in Ukraine. The hospital includes both paediatric and adult hospitalisation facilities, an intensive care unit, delivery room and first aid clinic.
• Israel has already absorbed thousands of Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Russia.  In addition, to receiving thousands of Ukrainian war refugees.

Looking ahead: Russia has not yet announced its intentions to annex those territories.

• Russian President Putin is expected to make an announcement later this week.
• The Russian court case to rule on the legality of Jewish Agency operations inside Russia is set to resume next month.
• Israel is anticipating an influx of more Russian Jews, if they are able to travel.