In a first in 9 months, Netanyahu, Zelensky speak with eyes on Russia
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The phone call comes amid rising tensions and Ukraine eyeing Israeli anti-air systems.
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Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a signing ceremony following their talks in Kiev, Ukraine, on August 19, 2019 (AFP)
Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday the means to support Kiev in its war with Russia, Israeli media reported.
The phone conversation marks the first direct contact between the two in nearly ten months. Discussions between the two also covered the entity's treatment of Ukrainians traveling to "Israel" seeking to settle in the occupied territories.
Kiev has complained to "Tel Aviv" about the issue for months and even resorted to an implicit threat that the entity's actions will negatively impact Israelis visiting Ukraine to make their "annual pilgrimage".
Read more: 'Israel' selling anti-UAV systems to Ukraine through Poland
“During our call, @Netanyahu and I discussed how to ensure that the visa-free functions fully for Ukrainian citizens, as well as how to secure the safety of Hasidic Jews on their yearly pilgrimage to Uman,” Zelensky said on X.
"This year’s pilgrimage comes with high-security risks. Our bomb shelters have a capacity for around 11 thousand people. Swift joint action is required to ensure the safety of more people,” he added, hinting at the need for Israeli aid to ensure the traveling settler's security.
“We also discussed ways for Israel to support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, as well as the international cooperation" between the two parties.
In response, Netanyahu said they discussed "continuing Israeli aid to Ukraine" and the "need to ensure as much as possible the arrival of worshipers to Uman this year."
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Kiev has demanded that "Israel" provide it with military aid and take a clear stance against Russia. But "Tel Aviv" chose to assist the Eastern European country covertly, as per several reports, over fears that direct involvement could spark tensions with Moscow, which, in turn, would harm Israeli activities in West Asia.
Read more: Zelensky wants to forge security deal with US based on 'Israeli model'
Israeli media reported last week that Zelensky's second-in-command, Andrey Yermak, refused last month to receive a phone call from an Israeli official and said Kiev expects Netanyahu to publicly express his support for the country and visit its capital.
Choosing a safer path to send military hardware to Ukraine, the entity promised to provide Ukraine with advanced early warning systems. However, despite the months-long promise, the commitment is yet to be fulfilled.
Last year, Israeli media revealed that a local arms manufacturer supplied Kiev with anti-UAV systems via Poland.
In late January, Israeli occupation Ambassador to Berlin, Ron Prosor, said "Israel" is secretly assisting Ukraine, German media reported then. "We help - albeit behind the scenes - and much more than is known," he said. Just a month later, Netanyahu indicated that the entity is considering the possibility of sending weapons to Ukraine, including the Iron Dome anti-air system.
