Israel sharpens tone against Russia – condemns invasion of Ukraine
Lapid's statement is a step further than Tuesday's announcement issued by the Foreign Ministry expressing “concern” over the “serious escalation”
Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid issued the country's sharpest statement to date regarding the Russia-Ukraine war saying that Israel condemns the Russian invasion this morning.
"This is a serious violation of the international order, Israel condemns the attack," he said. "There is time to resolve the disputes. Israel has good relations with Russia and Ukraine and maintaining the peace of Israeli citizens there is our top priority."
"The first hours and days of any war are also the last time you can still stop and return to the negotiating table, mediated by world powers, to settle disputes peacefully," Lapid urged.
He also told Israelis in Ukraine to head to land crossings and leave the country. Consular representatives are stationed at the relevant border crossings to assist Israelis trying to leave.
"Currently, Ukraine's airspace is closed and there is no train traffic," said Lapid.
This latest comment is a step further than Tuesday's statement issued by the Foreign Ministry expressing “concern” over the “serious escalation.”
Until now, Israel has carefully avoided taking sides in the conflict. It is interesting to note that this condemnation was issued by the foreign minister and not the prime minister. It was reported earlier that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett – who is in meetings all day – will hold a press conference later, but we are unsure if that is still the case.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
