War in Ukraine: the Israeli strategy of President Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a speech, in Kiev on March 4, 2022. © AFP - UKRAINE PRESIDENCY
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1 min
Since the beginning of the war, he has been seeking international support, and in particular that of the Israeli authorities.
Volodymyr Zelensky is Jewish and tries to play the identity card in order to obtain military support from the Jewish state.
But the latter does not seem willing to send him anything other than humanitarian aid.
The Ukrainian president wished to speak before the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament.
This request was refused.
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With our correspondent in Jerusalem
,
Sami Boukhelifa
Statements in English and even a message published in Hebrew, for the attention of Jews around the world.
The Ukrainian president highlights his Judaism and multiplies calls for help.
Behind this distress, the former Israeli ambassador, Michael Oren, detects a strategy.
"
President Zelensky wants Israel's full support, not just humanitarian aid,
" he explains.
He wants military and logistical support from the Israelis.
Because he says to himself: if Israel takes this step, the world will be more inclined to come to our aid.
For example, he could finally get the combat planes he wants from Poland.
Or get a no-fly zone.
»
In Israel, his cry is heard.
But there is little hope that he will get anything from the Jewish state, for two main reasons, explains Michael Oren.
“
First, the Israeli prime minister believes he can mediate between Russians and Ukrainians.
Second, Israel is afraid of losing Russian military support in Syria.
»
Because the Jewish state needs Russia to guarantee its security in the Middle East.
For this reason, Israel maintains a balancing act in the face of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
►Also read:
War in Ukraine: how is Volodymyr Zelensky's call received in Israel?
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Israel
Volodymyr Zelensky
Humanitarian
Naftali Bennett