Between Trump and Truth: UN Vote – Particularly “sad” to see that the current Israeli government refused to support Ukraine even at a symbolic level by voting against a resolution condemning Russia’s aggression and demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine

Unlike the Israeli government, the people of Israel stand with Ukraine. …..

“Shame and disgrace. Shame, first and foremost, before our fallen, who died, among other things, with Moscow’s assistance — through weapons, diplomacy, and other support from our enemies.” – Yigal Levin, an Israeli analyst and military expert.

and he added: “While at the UN – … a circus, tonight in Tel Aviv there is an evening of solidarity with Ukraine. On one of the posters it reads: ‘Russian weapons are killing Israelis’.”

Knesset member, Chairman of the Committee on Aliyah, Absorption and the Diaspora Gilad Kariv (Avoda Party):

“On the day when the world marks the third anniversary of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the State of Israel decides to vote against the attacked side.”

This is a matter of moral and ethical bankruptcy and of taking a position that in the end may harm the State of Israel.

The free world must support Ukraine and not provide undeserved services to the aggressor country, thereby undermining the core values of sovereignty and democracy.

Israel’s stance against Ukraine is a moral and ethical disgrace.

On Monday, February 24, 2024, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

The document named Russia as the aggressor, which Trump did not agree with.

93 countries voted in favor of the resolution, including almost all EU states, 65 countries did not express a clear position, abstaining from voting, and 18 voted against.

Israel was among those who voted against. This means that on the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israel, along with the USA and Russia, voted against a resolution that names Russia as the aggressor and demands an immediate end to the war.

Along with Israel, the USA, Russia, Sudan, Hungary, Belarus, North Korea, Mali, Eritrea, Nicaragua, and others also voted against.

Even Iran and China abstained.

Furthermore, an alternative American resolution was adopted in which Russia is not mentioned as the aggressor, and the demands concern ending the war without mentioning the occupied territories. In the vote on this resolution, the USA and Israel abstained, while Russia once again voted against. The resolution was adopted with 80 votes in favor, 60 abstentions, and 8 against.

At the last moment, the USA introduced an amendment at the request of European countries, changing the wording from “the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine” to “the full-scale invasion of Russia.”

China abstained in the vote on both resolutions, while Ukraine supported both.

Israel in the Wake of the USA

The position of Israel, which voted “for” the US resolution, reflects a strategy from which the country is unwilling to deviate, as analyzed by Shimon Briman.

Undoubtedly, Israel is in a complex geopolitical situation where its security and sovereignty require constant support from powerful partners like the USA. This connection with Washington, which Israel maintains, is reflected in its support for Trump and his policies. However, in choosing a partnership with the USA at the expense of supporting Ukraine, another important aspect emerges — it is not just a choice of ally, but also an acknowledgment that Israel prioritizes protecting its own interests. A stance aimed at refraining from condemning Russia helps Israel maintain its strategic neutrality in issues where its security could be directly affected.

Political Divergence: Israel and Ukraine

Regarding the UN vote, the following can be said: Israel voted against the resolution proposed by Ukraine and European countries, which supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and names Russia as the aggressor. This decision raised many questions, especially considering that Israel was among the countries that voted “against,” along with Russia, Belarus, and Burkina Faso. This, to put it mildly, appears dubious. Moreover, the USA also voted “against,” which calls into question “Israel’s sovereignty,” despite the constant support from the USA in the UN Security Council, where they regularly exercise their veto in Israel’s favor.

However, it is important to understand that this vote holds little significance, as the UN itself, like many of its resolutions, has long lost its effectiveness. The example of Azerbaijan, which regularly votes for anti-Israel resolutions while remaining a strategic ally of Israel, confirms that relationships and real-world actions always matter more than votes in such meaningless structures.

Israel’s Strategy: Actions Matter More Than Votes

Indeed, Israel has now taken a position supporting the USA, despite all external criticism. Considering that the USA’s veto power in the Security Council has not been abolished, Israel continues to act in its own interests, supporting Washington’s course, which, despite its contradictions, remains its most important ally. It is important to remember that in this case we are considering relationships and real actions, not formal votes. This is a far more significant aspect of the geopolitical game than any UN vote, which essentially does not affect real policy.

Ukraine and Europe: An Alliance for the Future

For Ukraine, choosing Europe rather than Israel appears logical, especially amid ongoing Russian aggression. The European Union provides Ukraine not only with political and economic support but also with the opportunity to become part of a stronger and more stable bloc that can withstand pressures from Russia and the USA. Although Ukrainian diplomacy faces its own contradictions and complexities in relations with Israel, choosing Europe remains a natural and necessary step for Ukraine.

Emotions and Diplomatic Discrepancies

The debate over UN votes has become tiresome because it does not solve real problems. Ukraine, of course, may feel aggrieved, especially recalling how the country in the past abstained from resolutions supporting Israel. However, it is important to understand that this is all the emotional side of the issue. Real political decisions always concern much deeper interests than merely someone’s opinion in the UN General Assembly.

The Future of Israel-Ukraine Relations

Nonetheless, the strategic divergence between Israel and Ukraine is becoming increasingly evident. Israel continues to act according to its own interests, supporting the course of the USA, while Ukraine, in turn, is increasingly oriented towards the European Union. This gap will likely only widen, and in the future, we will probably see Israeli and Ukrainian foreign policies moving in different directions. And, as is often the case in such situations, this will be painfully received both by supporters of Israel in Ukraine and by supporters of Ukraine in Israel.

It is especially sad to see that the current Israeli government has refused to support Ukraine even at a symbolic level, having voted against the resolution condemning Russia’s aggression and demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

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