Benjamin Netanyahu on Volodymyr Zelensky

Benjamin Netanyahu's position on Volodymyr Zelensky has been characterized by formal diplomatic contact, including phone calls and meetings, which sometimes took place amid reported bilateral tensions. The Israeli Prime Minister has expressed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly following major Russian attacks, while simultaneously managing Israel's non-military aid policy due to security concerns, specifically regarding Russia's presence in Syria. The relationship has seen both cooperation, such as discussing humanitarian aid and the arrival of pilgrims to Uman, and friction over Israel's refusal to supply offensive weaponry.

The relationship evolved from initial high-level contact in 2019, where an agreement was announced concerning high-tech centers and the teaching of languages, to the more fraught dynamic during the full-scale Russian invasion. While Zelensky has pressed for greater military assistance, Netanyahu's government has consistently favored providing humanitarian aid over weapons, fearing escalation with Moscow. Netanyahu has been mentioned as a potential mediator, and there was a reported instance of him praising Ukraine's air defenses after a major missile attack, though official Israeli readouts of such calls sometimes lack detail, reflecting a nuanced and evolving diplomatic posture.