Foreign Minister Yair Lapid condemned Russian aggression toward Ukraine this morning, the first time that the Israeli leadership has done so publicly. Israel reportedly did not notify Russia ahead of the condemnation. Speaking at a brief press conference, Lapid criticized the “Russian attack on Ukraine” as “a serious violation of the international order." He said, "Israel condemns that attack and is ready and prepared to offer humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian citizens.”

According to Lapid, “Israel is a country that has experienced wars, and war is not the way to resolve conflicts. The first hours and days of any war are also the last time you can still stop and return to the negotiating table, mediated by world powers, to settle disputes peacefully.” Lapid also noted that Israel maintains “deep, long-lasting and good relations with Russia and Ukraine.”

Lapid emphasized that the safety of the thousands of Israelis and hundreds of thousands of Jews in both Ukraine and Russia is his primary consideration. He repeated his calls of the past two weeks for all Israelis to leave Ukraine, warning that there is already movement of refugees toward the west of the country.

Lapid explained that Israel had reached agreements with countries neighboring with Ukraine to facilitate the passage of Israelis and Jews in case of an invasion. Israeli consular staff are now present at the crossing points to help Israelis and Jews who wish to exit Ukraine and travel to Israel.