Had Rejected Requests To Become A Russian-Ukraine Conflict Mediator, This Is An Explanation Of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Wikimedia Commons/kmu.gov.ua/principal

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he had refused when asked to be a mediator for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but is now willing to do it on condition.

PM Netanyahu said he was willing to play the role of the mediator if asked by the two warring countries and the United States.

"If asked by all relevant parties, I would definitely consider it, but I did not force myself," PM Netanyahu told CNN, as quoted by The National News on February 1.

"I've been around for a long time knowing that there has to be the right time and the right circumstances. If it comes, I will definitely consider it."

Furthermore, he said Israel's close ally, the United States also needed to be questioned about the role.

"Because you shouldn't have too many cooks in the kitchen," he said.

Furthermore, PM Netanyahu revealed that he was asked to become a mediator shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year.

However, PM Netanyahu said he rejected the request, because at that time he was the leader of the Israeli opposition, not the prime minister.

"I have rules: one prime minister at a time," he said.

However, PM Netanyahu said he would not mention who asked him for the mediator's role, but said the request was official.

The statement comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit, who in addition to calling on Israel-Palestinian to ease tensions, also prompted PM Netanyahu's government to increase support for Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Blinken said Ukraine needed help "because it dared to defend its people and its right to live".

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told Foreign Minister Blinken she would fly to Ukraine to reopen her country's embassy, her first trip since the war.