Media: leaked US documents include scenarios of Israel supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine
Leaked classified Pentagon documents on the web consider scenarios under which Israel would agree to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, U.S. media reported.
According to CNN, one of the documents, titled “Israel: Ways to provide lethal assistance to Ukraine,” says Tel Aviv “would likely consider providing lethal assistance (to Ukraine) under increased US pressure or in the event of a perceived deterioration” in relations with Russia.
The document, dated February 28 and marked as a top secret “research analysis,” notes that Israel is committed to providing Ukraine with reconnaissance and non-lethal defence systems. Such a policy is said to be driven by the need to maintain a balance in relations with Russia and the US and to have freedom of action in Syria, The New York Times noted.
According to the paper, “the most plausible” of the four scenarios outlined in the paper is Israel’s adoption, under US pressure, of the “Turkish model” of providing lethal systems to Ukraine through third countries, while advocating a peaceful end to the conflict and offering mediation efforts. The paper notes that Turkey has successfully combined maintaining good relations with Russia with efforts to supply weapons to Ukraine.
Other scenarios that could prompt Israel to supply lethal weapons systems to Ukraine relate to a potential deterioration in relations with Russia, which could occur if Moscow transfers “strategic systems to Iran” or helps Tehran’s missile and nuclear programmes, the paper noted. Russia’s use of advanced air defence systems against Israeli warplanes operating in Syria could also be a potential deterioration in relations, the paper adds, citing the document.
The document lists Israeli weapons that could be transferred to Ukraine, including Barak-8 and Spyder surface-to-air missiles, as well as Spike anti-tank guided missiles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in January that the country was considering supplying Ukraine with the Iron Dome missile defence system. Israel has so far refrained from supplying weapons to Ukraine.
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