Israel Declines Iron Dome Missile Defence System to Ukraine

By ARIE EGOZI

Foreign Affairs

Tel Aviv: In an effort not to get involved in the crisis between Russia and Ukraine and annoy Russia, Israel refused to sell the Iron Dome missile defence system to Kyiv.

To Kiev’s disappointment, Israel’s efforts this summer took the sale of advanced technology off the table. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers supported the transfer at the time, when there was no threat of a Russian invasion.

Israel considering its special relations with Russia with regards to latter’s presence in Syria, chose not to sell the systems. An act that would have the Ukrainians wanted the Iron Dome after reviewing its operational success in protecting Israel against the rockets launched by the Hamas in Gaza.