Rosalind Evans
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed apprehension regarding the transfer of Israeli-manufactured defense systems, including the Iron Dome funded by the U.S., to Ukraine, fearing that they could eventually end up in Iran’s possession.
During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Netanyahu hinted at the possibility of Ukrainian systems falling into Russian hands, given the close ties between Russia and Iran, resulting in Tehran gaining control of the equipment. However, he did not provide specifics on how Iran might acquire these defense systems.
Moscow has reportedly utilized Iranian-made Shahed drones, rebranded as Geran, in the Ukrainian conflict. Iran has previously denied supplying these weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his concern regarding the potential risk of Ukrainian systems falling into the possession of Iran. He emphasized the possibility of reverse engineering and the potential consequence of Israeli systems being used against Israel.
He cited past instances where Western systems, such as anti-tank systems, ended up in the hands of Iran-backed group Hezbollah, posing a direct threat to Israel.
Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized its urgent need for air defense systems and ammunition to withstand the ongoing Russian offensive. U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Lindsey Graham have urged Israel to allow the transfer of the Iron Dome air defense and missile interception system to Ukraine, clarifying that they are not requesting Israel’s own Iron Dome systems but rather U.S.-owned batteries to assist Ukraine.
The Ukrainian embassy in Israel voiced its dissatisfaction with the Israeli government’s extensive collaboration with Russia and its perceived insufficiency in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. They emphasized that despite the ongoing loss of Ukrainian lives due to Russian aggression, Israel has yet to sell defense equipment to Ukraine. The embassy highlighted that if Israel, renowned for its defensive capabilities, were to offer Ukraine vital protective equipment, it could potentially save lives.
Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is not neutral in the conflict and stands with Ukraine, but its actions are constrained by limitations and national security concerns. He emphasized the priority of ensuring the security of Israel as the only Jewish state.
Israel’s reluctance to condemn Russia’s actions and its cautious stance toward the conflict may be attributed to its strategic decision to maintain its ability to counter Iran in neighboring Syria, where Russia plays a dominant role. Israel aims to avoid alienating Russia, as it enables Israeli operations against Iranian influence in Syria.
The prime minister acknowledged Israel’s cooperation with Russian pilots in Syria to prevent Iran from establishing a second Hezbollah front. Israel’s opposition to Iran has put it at odds with Saudi Arabia, as the two countries recently reconciled their differences through China’s mediation.
Regarding the potential revival of a U.S. agreement with Iran, Netanyahu stated that any deal that fails to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is not very useful.
As of now, the U.S. State Department, Iranian authorities, and Russian foreign ministries have not responded to requests for comments on the possibility of Ukrainian-deployed systems eventually falling under Iranian control.
