Refuses Russian Provocation: Instead of Iron Dome, Israel Offers a Missile Attack Early Warning System for Ukraine

Israel's Iron Dome Illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Israel Defense Forces/Amit Agronov)

JAKARTA - Israel said on Thursday it would offer an early warning system to Ukraine to warn the public about missile or drone attacks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was willing to provide "defense assistance", though reluctant to provoke Russia.

So far, Ukraine has not received lethal aid from Israel, despite requests from Kyiv to help it counter Iranian influence in the war.

During a visit to Berlin, Germany, PM Netanyahu said Israel was doing what it could, given Russia's key position near Syria.

He said Israel could offer its expertise in sending airstrike warnings to reduce interference.

"We are offering Ukraine not only humanitarian assistance, but also assistance in civil defense, early warning systems," he said, citing The National News, March 17.

"We are continuing to move forward in that regard. We are moving forward in other ways," he said, without providing further details.

It is known, Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system is considered one of the most advanced in the world.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told an Israeli conference last fall that Russia was turning to airstrikes "because we don't have an Iron Dome".

Meanwhile, Russian attacks with Iranian-made missiles and drones hit Ukraine's energy grid during the winter.

PM Netanyahu has tried to fend off criticism of Israel's stance, by positioning himself as a potential mediator in the conflict.

He said Thursday his position was more complicated than that of European leaders, because Israeli and Russian pilots flew very close to each other over Syria.

"But within those limitations and within those considerations, we tried to offer Ukraine humanitarian and defense assistance and that is clearly happening as we speak," Netanyahu said.

His visit comes after reports that an Israeli manufacturer may obtain a license to sell anti-drone systems to Ukraine.

In addition, Israel has also treated injured Ukrainian soldiers in its hospital and offered Kyiv loan guarantees of up to 200 million US dollars.