Netanyahu's Longstanding Support for Ukraine Contrasts With Former Government's Approach

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat have consistently supported Ukraine's territorial integrity and maintained strong security ties with Kyiv, a stance that has persisted for over a decade. This approach contrasts with the previous 'change government' led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, which took a more cautious position toward Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly expressed trust in Netanyahu, even seeking his mediation with Russian President Vladimir Putin early in the 2022 conflict, a channel that Bennett's government declined to pursue.

The ongoing support from Netanyahu's government is evident in Israel's voting patterns at the United Nations, where it has opposed Russia's actions and backed Ukraine. This consistent policy is recognized by both Kyiv and Moscow as a clear directional choice by the Israeli leadership. The contrast between Netanyahu's approach and that of the previous government is underscored by testimonies from various sources, including the Rabbi of Uman, who revealed Zelensky's special envoy reached out to Netanyahu for mediation.

Overall, the accumulated evidence from two separate Israeli administrations and statements from both sides of the conflict illustrates a deliberate and sustained Israeli policy favoring Ukraine's sovereignty. When Kyiv evaluates whom to trust, it clearly favors Netanyahu's government over the former coalition.