In stinging speech, Zelenskyy criticizes Israeli Knesset members in live streamed speech simultaneously broadcast in popular Tel Aviv square
Live updates closed
For post-speech analysis: Unlike his rousing addresses to parliaments abroad, Zelenskyy made no friends in Israel after likening Russian invasion to 'Final Solution'
6:30 p.m.
Here are some quotes from Zelenskyy's speech:
“One hundred and two years after the Nazis, the order was given to begin the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has already killed thousands of people and left millions without a home.”
“Our people are now wandering in the world, searching for a place, just as you once wandered. This is a total and unjustified war that is meant to destroy our nation, our cities, our culture, our children.”
“The Russians use the terminology of the Nazi party, want to destroy everything. The Nazis called this ‘the final solution to the Jewish question.'”
He also said: “You need to provide answers to these questions and live with them. Ukraine decided 80 years ago and saved Jews. The people of Israel, you also have a choice.”
According to Israel's Channel 12, 112 of 120 Knesset members tuned in to the speech, which was broadcast on prime time news.
6:22 p.m.
Zelenskyy said he didn't understand why Israel had not yet given him weapons to fight the Russians.
6:21 p.m.
Speech was approximately five minutes – shorted than expected.
6:20 p.m.
Levy invited Zelenskyy to Jerusalem for an official visit.
6:18 p.m.
Zelenskyy: " know that you, Israelis, understand how to defend yourselves."
"We all have to choose between good and evil. We chose 80 years ago as Ukrainians to chose good and we saved the Jews."
He added that Israel needs to put pressure on Russia.
6:15 p.m.
Zelenskyy: "Our history and our survival is at war. The Russians are calling for a 'Final Solution.'" He described the destruction wrought by alleged Russian missiles at Babi Yar, Holocaust site, and another Jewish holy site.
6:12 p.m.
He quoted Golda Meir, former Israeli prime minister.
6:10 p.m.
Knesset Speaker Micky Levy welcomed Zelenskyy, who just started speaking. Some 120 Knesset members are on the call.
5:59 p.m.
Dozens of Israelis wrapped in Ukrainian flags at Habima Square were waiting for the live streamed speech and Israeli Knesset members were already on Zoom for the speech in the half hour leading up to Zelenskyy's address.
Some of the people gathered at HaBima held signs equating Vladmir Putin to Adolf Hitler and others calling for a no-fly zone.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
