Why Ukraine is not Israel

There are more and more discussions in the media and among experts about Ukraine as a "new European Israel". It is worthwhile and even necessary to learn from this country, and not only for us. However, it is important to clearly state why this model cannot be copied, because otherwise the comparison between Ukraine and Israel takes on a life of its own, and most importantly, it complicates the real discussion about security for Ukraine.

Firstly, Israel has nuclear weapons, albeit hidden, while its enemies do not. At least not yet. In our case, the situation is exactly the opposite: we do not have nuclear weapons, but the Russian regime does.

Secondly, US aid to Israel is based on the model of "qualitative military superiority", which can be achieved against countries that have been opposed or are opposed to Israel. We can also achieve this against Russia, but only as an integral part of the collective West.

“American assistance to Israel is based on the model of "qualitative military superiority", which can be achieved against countries that have been opposed or are opposed to Israel. We can also achieve this against Russia, but only as an integral part of the collective West”

Third, modern Iran opposes Israel, but does not deny its identity or consider it part of the "Iranian world". In Russia, they are trying to turn the denial of our identity into a part of theirs.

And finally, fourthly, the election of Trump, for example, will be positive for Israel, but it may create new challenges for us. In general, the ability of the American Jewish community to keep Israel in the focus of attention and assistance is unprecedented.

There are, of course, many other differences, but these make it impossible for us to copy the Israeli model of deterrence. It is very important to explain this to all those of our partners who are looking for an alternative to our NATO membership. It does not exist and it cannot be found through the reproduction of the "Israeli model". It is better to waste no time and make Ukraine capable of deterring any Russia within NATO. The posture will not work.

Source

About the author. Pavlo Klimkin, diplomat, Ukraine’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

The editors do not always share the views expressed by the authors of the blogs.