In the midst of escalating tensions surrounding the impending arrival of tens of thousands of mispallelim to Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah and Israel’s relationship with Russia, a telephone conversation transpired between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

During the conversation, as reported by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders deliberated on Israeli assistance to Ukraine and the development of a civil alert system that Israel is actively constructing for the benefit of Ukraine.

Additionally, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the significance of ensuring the safe passage of Jewish mispallelim traveling to Uman.

Mossad head Dovid Barnea also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week.

The phone call was an attempt to improve relations between Israel and Ukraine following reports that Ukrainian officials are refusing to cooperate with plans to expedite the entry of tens of thousands of Israelis into the country by increasing staff at the border crossings with neighboring countries.

Ukraine is disgruntled with Israel about what it claims is the rejection of Ukrainian citizens into the country as well as with Interior Minister Arbel’s refusal to meet with the Ukrainian ambassador over the past year.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu held a meeting with Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Barnea on Wednesday to discuss a solution that would foster cooperation with Ukrainian authorities.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)