Israel transferers Patriot missile systems to Ukraine
(MENAFN) Israel has discreetly transferred American-made Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, according to Israeli Ambassador to Kiev, Michael Brodsky. This marks a shift from Israel’s previously stated policy of providing only humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In an interview with Ukrainian journalist Marichka Dovbenko released on Sunday, Brodsky confirmed, “The Patriot systems we once received from the United States are now in Ukraine.” He added that these were systems delivered to Israel in the early 1990s and that their transfer had not been publicly discussed. “When people say Israel hasn’t helped militarily – that’s simply not true,” he stated.
When asked about reports suggesting Israel was sending weapons to Ukraine via third-party countries, Brodsky declined to elaborate, calling it “a sensitive issue” not suitable for public discussion.
Until now, Israel had maintained it was only providing non-military aid to avoid straining its complex relationship with Russia. Moscow maintains a significant military presence in Syria, a factor believed to influence Israel’s cautious approach.
Earlier this year, Axios reported that the U.S. had sent about 90 Patriot missiles from Israel to Poland for further transfer to Ukraine. The New York Times later confirmed that a complete Patriot system previously deployed in Israel would be delivered to Kiev. According to Times of Israel, Israel decommissioned eight such systems in 2024.
Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, previously warned that an Israeli decision to arm Ukraine with Patriots could trigger political consequences. Moscow continues to argue that foreign arms deliveries prolong the war and has stated that halting such support is a condition for entering peace talks.
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