Ukraine conflict: How Israel is caught between ties with Moscow and Kyiv

With close relations with both Moscow and Kyiv, Israel has been put in a tight spot as tensions have mounted over recent weeks.

Ukraine has at times expressed unhappiness over Israel's apparent lack of will to back it over Russian aggression, and at times even compared Russia's annexation of Crimea to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. But Israel needs to remain on good footing with Moscow over Syria. Lily Galili explores the dynamic here:

For over six years, Israel has carefully coordinated its air force activity over Syria with Russia. This ongoing understanding with Russia allows Israel to target Iranian forces stationed in Syria while Russia controls the airspace.

This is obviously a strategic asset for Israel, and one which also serves Russian strategic and political interests in a region where Moscow wants influence.

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used to refer to Putin as “my friend”, a choice of words that amused those who better understand Russia and its president. Putin is motivated by interests only, and you better be careful not to undermine them.

From that point of view, Israel walks on a tightrope stretched now between the conflicting loyalties and interests of the White House and the Kremlin concerning Ukraine.

Ukraine conflict: How Israel is caught between ties with Moscow and Kyiv