Russia and the CIS (bbabo.net) - Adhering to a pro-Ukrainian position, Israel at the same time seeks to maintain partnership relations with Moscow, which, in response to the hostile steps of Tel Aviv, can help strengthen Iran's position in Syria and prevent attacks by the Israeli Air Force on the territory of this Arab country.

Given all these factors, observers were not at all surprised by Israel's belated and rather restrained comment, compared to other Western countries, regarding the Russian special operation in Ukraine.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yamr Lapid said he "condemns the attack" and does not consider "war" a "way to resolve conflicts." Then Israel, after consultations with the United States, supported the UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia. However, Tel Aviv's statement was made not by the Israeli ambassador to the UN, but by his deputy, which was intended to smooth over Moscow's reaction.

In continuation of the steps to prevent an open confrontation with the Russian Federation with all the attendant consequences, Israel did not dare to give President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky a “green light” to his request to publicly discuss the Russian special operation with members of the Knesset (Israeli parliament).

According to the Axios portal, which refers to several Israeli officials, Zelensky was going to communicate with Israeli deputies via video link, but he was refused a diplomatic form.

As Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy noted, he would consider Zelensky's speech an honor, but due to a break in meetings and "the absence of many members of the Knesset," this is not possible.

To the disappointment of Kyiv, the head of the Ukrainian state was invited to conduct private communication with deputies via Zoom.

bbabo.Net