Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, June 10, denied reports that the country transferred Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine, despite earlier claims by Israel’s ambassador to Kyiv.
The denial came after Ambassador Michael Brodsky told a Ukrainian blogger that Israel had sent Patriot systems, originally acquired from the United States and used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the 1990s, to Ukraine.
Brodsky said the transfer was agreed upon but not widely publicized and insisted Israel had provided military aid to Ukraine.
Russia reportedly sought clarification from Israel following the ambassador’s remarks. In a statement to Ynet, the foreign ministry said, “Israel has not transferred such systems to Ukraine.”
The Patriot missile system, developed in the US in the late 1970s, is designed to intercept missiles and aircraft.
The ambassador did not specify how many systems had been transferred or when delivery had taken place. Last year, media reports had suggested that Ukraine, the US, and Israel were discussing the possible transfer of up to eight systems but there was no official confirmation at the time.
Brodsky’s comments marked the first public Israeli acknowledgment of direct military aid to Ukraine, but the Foreign Ministry’s official denial indicates a split in messaging.
Israel has maintained a cautious stance on military support to Ukraine, aiming to avoid conflict with Russia and protect its own security interests, including concerns over weapons potentially reaching Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that arms sent to Ukraine could be used against Israel if they fall into hostile hands.
Earlier this year, Brodsky had said Israel supports Ukraine politically but avoids military aid to prevent security risks and diplomatic complications with Russia.
The New York Times reported on May 4 that an Israel-based Patriot system was expected to be transferred to Ukraine pending Washington’s approval, citing US and Israeli officials.
At the time, the US Department of Defense declined to comment on the reported Israeli transfer.
According to the NYT report, Ukraine had eight Patriot systems in May, but suggested only six were operational as two were undergoing routine maintenance or repair.