US considers transfer of 'Israel's' Patriot Systems to Ukraine: FT
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Under the arrangement being discussed, the Patriot missile systems would first be transferred from "Israel" to the US before eventually being sent to Ukraine, the Financial Times says.
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Israeli soldiers walk near an Iron Dome defense system (L), a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the MIM-104 Patriot (C), and an anti-ballistic missile the Arrow 3 (R) during Juniper Cobra's joint exercise press briefing at Hatzor Air Base in central occupied Palestine, on February 25, 2016 (AFP)
The Financial Times reported on Thursday that the US is currently engaged in talks with Israeli and Ukrainian officials regarding the potential transfer of Patriot missile systems from "Israel" to Ukraine.
Senior officials from the US, "Israel", and Ukraine have been in talks about the proposed deal, although it has not yet been finalized. The Financial Times cited five sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
Under the arrangement being discussed, the Patriot missile systems would first be transferred from "Israel" to the US before eventually being sent to Ukraine, the report detailed.
In April, "Israel" announced its plans to phase out its eight Patriot missile batteries and replace them with more advanced systems. This potential transfer represents part of "Israel's" strategic adjustment in its security capabilities.
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On June 19, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revised its projections forecasting a 27% increase in the US national debt for the fiscal year 2024 compared to earlier estimates. Part of the increase in the US federal budget deficit is attributed to newly adopted legislation, including a security package dubbed as aid for Ukraine, "Israel", and nations in the Indo-Pacific area.
Since the start of the crisis in Ukraine, the US has committed more than $52 billion in security assistance to support Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US has supplied "Israel" with over $6.5 billion in military supplies since the beginning of the war on Gaza last October, including nearly $3 billion approved in May.
On June 23, Israeli Reserve General Itzhak Brik revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government rejected an offer from Ukraine to receive assistance in dealing with the imminent threat of drones launched from Lebanon.
Brik mentioned that Kiev had offered Tel Aviv information that could have assisted it in dealing with the drone threat, and also invited the Israeli army to learn from Ukrainian forces about handling drones.
According to Brik, the Israeli army showed no interest in the Ukrainian offer, which suggests a possible underestimation by "Israel" regarding the magnitude of the threat posed by Hezbollah drones.
Moreover, the Israeli Channel 12 reported that Kiev had planned to invite Israeli experts to study drones and test anti-drone systems in exchange for advanced technologies, which "Israel" seemed unwilling to provide.
The outlet added that "Israel" ignored the numerous Ukrainian offers and did not take them seriously.
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