Foreign Minister Yair Lapid held a press conference today (Thursday) following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, officially announcing Israel's position. He condemned Russia's actions and said that the Russian attack on Ukraine is a serious violation of the international order.
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In his opening remarks, Lapid intensified the tone against Russia: "The Russian attack on Ukraine is a serious violation of the international order. Israel condemns the attack and is ready and prepared to provide humanitarian assistance to the citizens of Ukraine. Israel is a war-weary country. War is not the way to resolve conflicts.".
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""The first hours and days of every war are also the last time when it is still possible to stop. To return to the negotiating table, through the mediation of the powers, to settle the disputes peacefully.".
He added: "Israel has deep, long and good relations with Russia and Ukraine. There are tens of thousands of Israelis in both countries, there are hundreds of thousands of Jews in both countries, and maintaining their security and well-being is at the top of our considerations.".
""In addition, we must maintain the safety and security of the Foreign Ministry personnel, Nativ personnel, and agency personnel located in Ukraine. At these times, they are risking their lives to continue providing assistance and help to every Israeli and every Jew.".
Lapid called on Israelis to leave the country: "Earlier this week, I ordered the evacuation of our embassy in Kiev, to transfer it to offices in the city of Lviv, near the Polish border. I call on every Israeli citizen to leave Ukraine immediately and reach the border crossings as long as the roads are open. Keep in mind that there is already an influx of refugees towards the western borders of Ukraine.
""Currently, Ukraine's airspace is closed, and there is no train traffic. Consular representatives of the Foreign Ministry have already been stationed at all border crossings near Lviv, to help Israelis leave.".
""The border crossings where our people are stationed are the Medica crossing on the Polish border, the Vishneva Nemetska crossing on the Slovak border, the Zahun crossing to Hungary, and the Siret crossing to Romania.
""We coordinated in advance with all these countries – Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Moldova – for the safe and smooth departure of Israelis. I would like to thank the governments there for their assistance and goodwill.".
Former Prisoner of Zion Natan Sharansky in an interview at Ulpan LeSivon Rahav Meir: "Israel's statement against Russia and against Putin needs to be clearer. We were court Jews for many years. We don't need to be a court state. We need to be on the right side of history.".
