Espreso. Global
OPINION

How Netanyahu stopped being Putin's friend

18 March, 2023 Saturday
22:38

The Israeli prime minister is well aware that Russia is a strategic enemy

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.

Read also:
  • News
2023, Thursday
30 November
22:10
Review
Victorious news of 645th day of war: Ukrainian forces advance in Kherson region, SBU operation in Buryatia
21:55
Exclusive
US diplomat Volker calls for NATO membership for Ukraine even amid war
21:40
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed 2,000 people this year — Ministry of Internal Affairs
21:25
Exclusive
Three children, including infant, wounded in Russian attack on Pokrovsk
21:02
Norway to allocate €21 M for food security program in Ukraine: part of funds to be used for Grain from Ukraine initiative
20:45
Russian politician who 'adopted' girl abducted from Kherson, changes her name, surname, citizenship
20:25
Exclusive
Defense Express estimates when to expect F-16 in Ukraine
20:05
France boosts Ukraine's defense with CAESAR guns and ammo
19:47
Exclusive
Russian army tries to enter Avdiivka Coke Plant, to no avail — Ukrainian Armed Forces
19:30
Exclusive
Lavrov says at OSCE that West is preparing Moldova to attack Russia
19:14
Ukraine needs to scale up drone production amid concerns of lagging behind Russia
18:56
Ukraine’s parliament voices unattainable requirement by Polish carriers
18:52
Updated
Russian missile attack on Donetsk region: death toll rises to two
18:38
Ukraine found a 4G modem with a Kyivstar card on Shahed drone
Shahed drones with 4G: why, what Russia can get, and how to counteract
18:20
OPINION
Border blockade: Tusk will be Polish PM, not Ukrainian
17:58
Level of social tension is growing in Russia - intelligence
17:40
Polish-Ukrainian border crisis as gift for Russia: Expert says, he does not believe in coincidence
17:20
Two people wounded in Russia's drone attack on Beryslav, Kherson region
16:58
Blockade of Ukraine's border with Slovakia will affect trade turnover - expert Hohulia
16:42
Explosion on Baikal-Amur highway in Russia: SBU operation
16:24
US, Greece mull deal to supply more ammo to Ukraine, including rare 203-mm shells - media
16:03
Ukrainian Defense Intelligence reports on sabotage on Russian railroad
15:45
OPINION
How many Ukrainian defenders and Russian aggressors have fallen
15:27
Exclusive
General Malomuzh discusses Ukrainian Armed Forces' strategy in Kherson region
15:09
Russian army attacks Kherson region, killing 3 civilians
14:53
Exclusive
"The Russians do not have such unity": Ukrainian serviceman assesses possibility of confrontation with Russia in drones
14:35
Putin's likely daughter is involved in spreading Russian influence to Africa - Bloomberg
14:11
Ukrainian forces destroy Russian Solntsepek system: video
13:50
Forbes: Ukraine produces about 50 thousand FPV drones monthly, Russia - six times more
13:29
OPINION
The Economist: political splits in Kyiv. Vitaly Portnikov's column
13:09
Infographics
Border blockade: Polish government demands EU termination of agreement with Ukraine
12:51
Bulgaria does not allow Lavrov's plane to fly to OSCE meeting because of Zakharova on board, Russia claims
12:31
Ukrainian Defense Forces defeat Russian BUK missile system. Video
12:10
Review
Russian forces try to seize initiative along entire frontline - military expert Serhiy Zgurets
11:50
IAEA experts record explosions near Khmelnytskyi NPP
11:20
Exclusive
Ukrainian spy chief's wife poisoning: Probably attack was aimed at intelligence officers, says Reserve Major Hetman
10:49
US Senate introduces bill to confiscate Russian assets
10:07
Ukrainian army destroys 13 Russian tanks, 28 vehicles, 1,180 soldiers per day - General Staff
09:48
Powerful explosion in Bryansk, Russia: warehouse with Shaheds is hit
09:25
ISW: Ukrainian forces advance on east bank of Kherson region, send reinforcements
More news