Thread by @SamRamani2

Israel is assuming a high-profile diplomatic role in Ukraine and is now supporting Western sanctions

Some thoughts on these developments /1

Israel's willingness to vote against Russia in the UNGA and take a firm stance over its invasion of Ukraine is a major shift

Ariel Sharon was critical of the NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999 and Israel did not condemn Russia's annexation of Crimea /2

Volodymyr Zelensky tried to court Israel from the start of his presidency

Zelensky praised Israeli support for Ukraine on Crimea in 2019, even though Israel had not taken Ukraine's side /3

Ukraine supports Israeli mediation as it is one of the few democracies that has close relations with both Russia and Ukraine

Ukraine views Israel as a mediator that is more palatable to Russia than a NATO country, and as its best bet to take diplomacy out of Belarus /4

Hosting peace talks between Zelensky and Putin in Jerusalem could be Israel's endgame

Israel is also acting as a messenger between Russia and Ukraine, much like Turkey did last spring

Ukraine is also asking Israel for help on issues, like releasing Melitopol's mayor /5

Israel has also supplied humanitarian aid to Ukraine with 100 tons arriving on March 1 and is helping with refugee resettlement

Israel has ruled out Iron Dome technology transfers, but is mulling military equipment transfers, such as helmets and flak jackets /6

While US and EU pressure moved Israel's hand, Israel also sees status benefits associated with a mediation role

Framing itself as a constructive stakeholder in Ukraine will complement its global outreach initiatives, such as African Union observer status and ties with Asia /7

Although Israel still needs to consult with Russia on Iranian military activities in Syria, it is confident that Moscow will not direct to attack Israel

So diplomacy in Ukraine brings many potential benefits and few risks, even if frictions with Russia emerge /8