Defense Ministry had approved arms deal, but fearing Russia’s response, Foreign Ministry committee vetoes it
Photo - IDF
Defense Ministry-approved deal to sell drones to Ukraine was vetoed by a Foreign Ministry special panel amid fears Russia would disapprove, Israel’s Channel 2 reported Monday
The report added that Russia has blocked arms sales to Iran and Syria recently, and said Israel was concerned a drone sale to Ukraine would anger Moscow, and could provoke it to sell more arms to Syria and Iran, the Jewish state’s arch-enemy.The broadcaster said a Ukrainian delegation had visited Israel with a view to acquiring military hardware including drones to use against pro-Russian separatists.
It was not reported when the visit took place or when the decision to turn down the request was taken.
A Defense Ministry spokesman refused to comment on the report.Israel has largely kept quiet on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, seeking not to upset its good relations with the United States – which sides with the government in Kiev and has been pressuring Putin over Crimea – while also maintaining good ties with Moscow, an important player in regional issues, such as the Syrian civil war and the Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
On Sunday, with the US clamping down on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, Agriculture Minister Yair Shamir told Russian media that Russia’s need for fresh produce is “a great opportunity” for Israel.
Shamir said he feels that Israel cannot judge Russia’s actions. The EU and US, he said, have not asked Israel to avoid exporting to Russia, and it’s unlikely Israel would agree even if asked.
Photo - IDF
Defense Ministry-approved deal to sell drones to Ukraine was vetoed by a Foreign Ministry special panel amid fears Russia would disapprove, Israel’s Channel 2 reported Monday
The report added that Russia has blocked arms sales to Iran and Syria recently, and said Israel was concerned a drone sale to Ukraine would anger Moscow, and could provoke it to sell more arms to Syria and Iran, the Jewish state’s arch-enemy.The broadcaster said a Ukrainian delegation had visited Israel with a view to acquiring military hardware including drones to use against pro-Russian separatists.
It was not reported when the visit took place or when the decision to turn down the request was taken.
A Defense Ministry spokesman refused to comment on the report.Israel has largely kept quiet on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, seeking not to upset its good relations with the United States – which sides with the government in Kiev and has been pressuring Putin over Crimea – while also maintaining good ties with Moscow, an important player in regional issues, such as the Syrian civil war and the Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
On Sunday, with the US clamping down on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, Agriculture Minister Yair Shamir told Russian media that Russia’s need for fresh produce is “a great opportunity” for Israel.
Shamir said he feels that Israel cannot judge Russia’s actions. The EU and US, he said, have not asked Israel to avoid exporting to Russia, and it’s unlikely Israel would agree even if asked.
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