Kiev has reportedly received mysterious “strategic materials”
Kiev has reportedly received mysterious “strategic materials” | Citing three “senior European diplomatic officials,” Haaretz reported that Washington approached the Israeli government several weeks ago, "pressing it" to supply Ukraine with anti-aircraft batteries. While Israel refused, it agreed to fund the “strategic materials” instead. Several million dollars were transferred to “a NATO member state that is deeply involved in supplying military equipment to Ukraine,” the report explained. This state then purchased the materials and sent them to Ukraine. Haaretz’ sources demanded that the nature of these materials be kept a secret, while Tel Aviv asked all parties involved in the deal not to publicly reveal it, “in order not to anger [Russian President Vladimir] Putin.” ● The Haaretz report did not name the NATO member involved in the deal. However, it resembles an earlier gray-market deal involving Poland. Back in September, Hebrew news site Zman Yisrael reported that at least one Israeli defense contractor was shipping anti-drone systems to Poland, with Warsaw then sending them on to Ukraine. The Israeli government reportedly turned a blind eye to this arrangement, despite its official refusal to supply any offensive weapons to Kiev. ● With a change in government set to bring Benjamin Netanyahu back into power in Israel, Haaretz’ sources said that it would be up to the veteran right-winger whether to repeat the “strategic materials” deal.