How Netanyahu stopped being Putin's friend

When the full-scale invasion began a year ago, the Bennett-Lapid government was in power in Israel, very decent, not lying, not corrupt politicians (to the extent that is possible – author), even having certain principles. They publicly supported Ukraine (both through official declarations and votes in international organizations), but limited their assistance to humanitarian aid. The reason for this is simple: Moscow's air defense and air force in Syria, where Iran, a country that openly declares the destruction of Israel as its strategic goal, is also active. The complication of relations with the Kremlin will mean significant security risks for Israelis and strongly discourage any open actions against Russia.

But then the government changes, and Bibi Netanyahu, an experienced, cynical, unprincipled politician with a reputation (at least in Ukraine) as Putin's personal friend, returns to power. And ...

“Not only does he order the production of an early warning system for air attacks for Ukraine, but he also pushes through the government a decision to supply anti-drone systems to protect strategic targets”

Not only does he order the production of an early warning system for air attacks for Ukraine, but he also pushes through the government a decision to supply anti-drone systems to protect strategic targets. All of this is accompanied by soothing (and rather cynical) talk about the purely humanitarian aspect of these weapons, because "Russian soldiers will not be killed by them."

Why such change? I can think of at least 5 factors that could have caused this (but I won't, because it's too long – author). Although, quite possibly, the 6th was the main one: Netanyahu is not the same as Zelenskyy until 2022. He is well aware (despite all his hugs with Putin) that Russia is a strategic enemy, and if there is a way to weaken it without much risk, it should be done.

Why am I writing all this? Big politics is a complex and non-linear process. Therefore, dear commentators, when we try to base our forecasts and assessments on "in such-and-such a year, he said such-and-such", it looks extremely naive.

Source

About the author. Karl Volokh, political analyst, blogger.

The editorial staff does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.