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Israel joined the United States on Monday in voting against a United Nations General Assembly resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The measure, introduced by Ukraine and the European Union, called for upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, an end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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Volodymyr Zelensky and Benjamin Netanyahu
(Photo: AFP/ Ukrainian Presidential Press Service)
The resolution passed with 93 countries voting in favor, while 65 abstained. Eighteen nations opposed it, including the U.S., Israel, Russia, Hungary, Nicaragua, Sudan, Mali, the Marshall Islands, Haiti, Eritrea, Niger and Palau.
The vote marked the first time since the war began that both Israel and the U.S. opposed a Ukraine-related resolution at the UN, reflecting a shift in Washington’s stance following former President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his alignment with Russian positions.
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Until the last moment, it was unclear how the U.S. would vote, and Israel ultimately followed Washington’s lead. However, Israel was among a small group of nations to do so, along with Hungary and several Pacific states. North Korea and Russia also opposed the resolution.
Since the war began, Israel has publicly supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity and even attempted mediation efforts between Kyiv and Moscow. Then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett traveled to Moscow early in the conflict in an effort to broker peace. While Israel has provided Ukraine with protective gear—including helmets, bulletproof vests and gas masks—it has refrained from supplying offensive weapons, citing concerns over its strategic ties with Russia.
Israel has also shared intelligence with Ukraine regarding Iran’s military support for Russia, particularly the supply of attack drones. However, Kyiv has repeatedly pushed Israel to increase its aid, particularly in the form of offensive weapons—a request Israel has resisted.
Recent reports suggested that Israel transferred Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, but it was later clarified that the systems were first sent to the U.S., which then delivered them to Ukraine.
Despite occasional tensions over military assistance, Ukrainian public opinion has largely remained sympathetic to Israel, particularly after the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. Many Ukrainians have drawn parallels between their struggle against Russian aggression and Israel’s fight against terrorism.
However, Israel’s decision to vote against the resolution drew sharp criticism domestically. Gilad Kariv, chairman of the Knesset’s Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee, called the move a “moral and ethical disgrace.”
"On the day the world marks three years since Russia’s assault on Ukraine, Israel has chosen to vote against the attacked party," Kariv said. "This is a moral and ethical failure that could ultimately harm Israel. The free world must stand with Ukraine, not reward an aggressor that undermines fundamental values of sovereignty and democracy."