The Foreign Ministry said in an official statement for the first time since the Russian invasion of eastern Ukraine that "Israel shares the international concern about the steps in eastern Ukraine." They added that "Israel supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and is prepared to transfer immediate humanitarian aid to Ukraine."

Israel is concerned about the situation in eastern Ukraine and supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and is ready to provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid, the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem said today (Wednesday) in its first response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The word Russia was not mentioned in the Foreign Ministry statement.

"Israel shares the international concern over the steps in eastern Ukraine and the severe escalation in the situation, hopes that a diplomatic solution will be found that will lead to calm and is ready to mobilize for it, if requested," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Israel supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."

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The announcement also states that Israel also cares about the safety of thousands of Israeli citizens living in Ukraine and its large Jewish community. "Israel is prepared to provide immediate humanitarian aid to Ukraine in accordance with the needs that may arise, and is holding a dialogue with the authorities in the country," the statement said. "Israel is continuing a close dialogue with its partners on ways to get the diplomatic effort back on track."

The Foreign Ministry's announcement came at the end of a meeting between Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman. According to three senior Israeli officials, the four were involved in formulating the Israeli political response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Photo: Reuters