Since the days of the Bible, it has been the fate of the people of Israel to navigate between conflicting powers.
On the one hand, our security situation obliges us to keep pipelines open to Russia.
For seven years, since the establishment of Russian forces in Syria, the IDF has managed to avoid any clashes with them, despite its intensive activities against the Iranian establishment in the north.
Unequivocal condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine could cause the Russians to reduce, and even stop this cooperation.
In addition, Israel, as the nation state of the Jewish people, must take into account the situation and security of some 800,000 Jews living in Russia, in addition to another 200,000 Jews living in Ukraine, who may find themselves under Russian occupation.
In light of these considerations, it is understandable that Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has so far refrained from criticizing Russia and its attacks on Ukraine.
However, contrary to these considerations there is thus apparently particularly strong in light of the determination of the Ukrainian people, to fight by all means against the Russian army.
Can Israel, as a country that seeks freedom, continue to maintain neutrality?
Against images of a popular revolt that is being waged with the help of small arms and even Molotov cocktails - a revolt led by a Jew - is the Jewish state able to stand still?
Beyond these moral claims there is also, therefore, it turns out from the other side, strategically and security-wise.
During Saturday, the American media was able to report harsh criticism from American figures such as William Cohen (former US Secretary of Defense), who told CNN, "Where is Israel 'on the Ukrainian issue' when it claims to be our most important ally in the Middle East?"
Maintaining complete neutrality may also undermine Israel's support among American Jews, which is in any case very challenging today.
Finally, there is perhaps room to ask: Why is Israel so afraid of the Russian military presence in Syria?
After all, there are about 4,000 soldiers and several dozen planes.
Does the very fact that we always transmit fear hurt our image and deterrence in the area?
Here it is important to note that despite our repeated requests, Moscow has not refrained from selling our enemy weapons systems that are among the most advanced in the world.
Both Hezbollah and Hamas are equipped with Russian weapons, and Russia built the Iranian reactor in Bushehr and undertook to build eight more reactors in Iran.
As mentioned, navigating in this situation is extremely difficult and there is no way to proceed with caution.
On the one hand, to continue to keep as many pipes open as possible for President Putin, and to continue to take care of the needs of the Jews of Russia and Ukraine, including the possibility of massive immigration absorption.
On the other hand, do not remain silent in light of the brave struggle of the Ukrainian people, which makes a sign that it will repeat stubborn opposition to Russian occupation as it was after World War II, and public opinion among our important ally, USA. Humanitarian and medical for the Ukrainian people, we must maintain our mission as a valued and strong Jewish state.
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