Israel to provide Ukraine with protective gear, prompting vague threat from Russia

Israel has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine with humanitarian and relief aid, but in an announcement this week, Israel has committed to provide Ukraine with protective gear, including helmets and flak jackets.

The announcement has already prompted  a vague warning from Moscow.

“We are carefully checking this information and will respond accordingly if it is confirmed,” Russia’s ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, said. It was not clear from Viktorov’s remarks what such a response might entail.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Benny Gantz has “approved the purchase of protective equipment… which will be transferred to the Ukrainian rescue forces and civilian organizations,” a statement read.

Gantz’s office on Wednesday said that “the defense minister wished to emphasize that Israel stands by the side of the citizens of Ukraine, and the need to continue to assist the country and to act to end the war.”

The Defense Ministry said sending flak jackets and helmets was “part of Israel’s extensive humanitarian efforts, including the establishment of a field hospital, the absorption of immigrants and refugees, providing food, humanitarian aid, medical assistance and more.”

It marks a change in policy for Israel, which has held relatively good relations with both Ukraine and Russia prior the invasion. With Russia on Israel’s doorstep operating over Syria, Israel has had to tread carefully, concentrating on humanitarian efforts rather than supporting Ukraine militarily. However, Israel has consistently condemned Russia’s actions, including by voting against Russia at the UN.

Hamas leader holds phone call with Russian FM

Meanwhile, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh held a phone call  this week with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on security developments in the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, his office said.

According to the Palestinian Shehab news agency, Haniyeh expressed appreciation for Moscow’s support of Palestinian rights at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. According to the report, Lavrov said Russia has “always been on the side of the Palestinian people in their right to self-determination and their right to establish their Palestinian state.”