Why Israel is Not Providing Ukraine with the Iron Dome System: Netanyahu's Response

Israel is not providing the Iron Dome air defense system or other weapons to Ukraine due to concerns that they could end up in Iran's hands. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated this in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

"I think it's important to understand that we are concerned about the possibility that the systems we provide to Ukraine will end up in Iran's possession," he said.

Netanyahu noted that if this happens, Tehran could utilize Israeli weapons against Israel itself. He pointed out that Israel is a densely populated country, but has so far managed to avoid significant casualties because the Iron Dome system intercepts 95% of missiles aimed at Israeli population centers.

"Now, if that system ends up in Iran's hands, then millions of Israelis will be left vulnerable and at risk," he added.

The Iron Dome is an air defense system developed by the Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with the U.S. weapons manufacturer Raytheon. It is considered one of the most effective systems against short-range missiles.

In early June 2022, Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel, Yevgeny Kornichuk, stated that Ukraine was interested in acquiring the Iron Dome system.