Zelensky says he was shocked by Israel’s failure to supply arms to Ukraine

Demonstrators gather to support Ukraine after the Russian invasion, and watch Zelensky’s speech as it is broadcast in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and presented at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 20, 2022. REUTERS/Corina Kern/File Photo

Sept 24 (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was “shocked” at Israel’s failure to provide Kyiv with anti-missile systems to help counter Russian attacks, according to an interview published Saturday.

Zelensky had been ordering weapons since shortly after the war began in February. He referred to Israel’s Iron Dome system, which is often used to intercept rockets fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza.

“I don’t know what happened to Israel. I honestly and frankly – I’m shocked because I don’t understand why they couldn’t give us air defences,” he said.

Zelensky said this in an interview with French journalists on Wednesday. His office released a recording of the interview on Saturday.

Zelensky’s comments were stronger than those he made in March, when he reprimanded Israel for its reluctance to send weapons. At the time, Israel was non-committal, saying it would help Ukraine as much as it could.

Israel, which has condemned the Russian invasion, is concerned about strained relations with Moscow, which has influence in neighboring Syria where Israeli forces frequently attack militias loyal to Iran.

“I understand that they have a difficult situation with regard to the situation with Syria and Russia,” Zelensky said, adding that he did not press charges.

“I am stating the facts. My talks with the Israeli leadership have done nothing to help Ukraine.”

(David Leungren reports). Editing by Daniel Wallis

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