ISRAEL HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO JOIN THE US AND OTHER NATIONS IN CONDEMNING RUSSIA

US Thanks Israel for Rallying Nations to Condemn Russia

Bennett again speaks with Putin as Israel seeks to keep lines of communication with Moscow open

 

By Israel Today

March 3, 2022

 

 

Israeli demonstrators carry placards and flags during a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, outside the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv, on February 24, 2022

 

 

Israel has sided with much of the rest of the world in publicly condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. That after Jerusalem tried hard to keep a low profile and avoid being seen to take sides in the European conflict.

As the nations of the world gathered to censure Moscow, Israel could no longer maintain its tightrope act, at least not on the international stage, and voted in favor of the resolution condemning Russia.

More than that, American officials suggested that Israel even helped to rally more nations to support the motion.

“Enormous thanks to Israel for helping rally more members to stand with Ukraine in today’s historic UN vote. Over 141 votes to hold Russia accountable. Diplomacy matters,” tweeted US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides.

When it was her turn to take to the podium, Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Noa Furman, reiterated Jerusalem’s position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is “a serious violation of the international order.” She called on Moscow “to heed the calls of the international community to stop the attack and respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

Furman also repeated Israel’s offer to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, given the Jewish state’s unique position via-à-vis the belligerents.

“Given our deep ties with both sides, we are willing to contribute to the diplomatic efforts if so requested, and have been trying to do so in the last couple of weeks,” she stated.

In line with those efforts, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke yet again with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday evening, as the UN was meeting to vote on the aforementioned resolution.

Putin reportedly told Bennett that the key to bringing the current conflict to a close was “securing Russia’s security interests.”

Earlier in the day, Bennett also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is eager to have Israel play a central role in mediating an end to the war.