Jerusalem, 6 March, 2022 (TPS) — Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday “to assist the dialogue between all of the sides,” and “with the blessing and encouragement of all players,” a mysterious meeting in the midst of the Shabbat which is still shrouded in secrecy.
Speaking at the beginning of the Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Bennett stated that “the situation on the ground [in Ukraine] is not good. The human suffering is great and is liable to be much greater. There are also Israelis who need to return home and Jewish communities in distress that need help. Naturally, I cannot go into greater detail.”
The content and outcome of Bennett’s shuttle diplomacy are still unknown.
“We will continue to assist as needed,” he underscored. “Even if the chance is not great — as soon as there is even a small opening, and we have access to all sides and the capability — I see this as our moral obligation to make every effort. As long as the candle is burning, we must make an effort and perhaps it will yet be possible to act.”
As for the refugees coming to Israel from Ukraine, Bennett said that the country is “prepared for a significant wave of immigration as a result of the situation. The system is currently working on scenarios to absorb varying numbers of immigrants, which will be presented to the Security Cabinet this week. This is a challenge for the State of Israel but it is a challenge we have met in the past, time and again.”
“At such moments, when the world is facing turmoil and Jews are no longer safe where they are, everyone is reminded how important it is that there is a home for Jews wherever they are; how important it is that we have the State of Israel,” he said.
Israel is expecting to receive as much as 100,000 refugees coming from Ukraine.
Regarding the Vienna talks between the Western powers and Iran on a return to the nuclear agreement which are reportedly at their final stages, Bennett noted that “a significant and positive thing occurred over the weekend: IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi visited Tehran and decided not to accede to the Iranian demand to close the open files under political pressure. This is an important professional decision by the IAEA and Grossi, who did not respond to Iranian pressure.”
Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) stated Saturday that it will provide to the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) written explanations including related supporting documents to the questions raised by the IAEA which have not been addressed by Iran on the issues related to three locations.
Israel’s position regarding the agreement “is well-known. The disadvantages of the agreement far outweigh its advantages. In any case, the agreement does not obligate the State of Israel in any way.”
This is reportedly one of the issues Bennett discussed with Putin.
