The office of Defense Minister Benny Gantz issued a statement April 20 saying he had spoken on the phone with his Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksiy Reznikov, informing him that "in light of the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, he (Gantz) approved the purchase of protective equipment of helmets and vests, which will be transferred to the Ukrainian rescue forces and civilian organizations." The statement added that the equipment is already in the process of being purchased. "This is part of Israel's extensive humanitarian efforts, including the establishment of a field hospital, the absorption of immigrants and refugees, the provision of food and humanitarian and medical assistance, and more."
Interestingly, the statement also said the two ministers discussed world efforts, and Israeli efforts led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, to bring an end to the war, emphasizing that Israel stands beside the Ukrainian citizens.
