Israeli FM's Ukraine visit signals shift from Russia to anti-Iran alignment
Israel has urged Ukraine to join forces against what it estimates is a joint enemy — the Iranian government.
In a rare public break from its long-standing neutrality toward Moscow, Israel condemned Russia’s war on Ukraine this week — a shift driven in part by its effort to rally Kyiv against Iran.
During a visit to Kyiv on Wednesday — Israel’s first at the ministerial level since early 2023 — Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declared, “Ukraine has been at war with Russia for more than three years. This is a cruel war that has claimed many lives.” He continued, “We condemn Russia's attacks against civilians. We call for stable and sustainable peace that will ensure Ukraine's security. Israel is committed to supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”
A new tone
Saar is the first senior Israeli official to visit Kyiv since former Foreign Minister Eli Cohen traveled there in February 2023. That visit drew criticism from Ukrainian officials after Cohen declined to mention Russia by name. By contrast, Saar’s remarks signaled a recalibrated Israeli posture.
