Bennett: Israel has ‘moral duty’ to mediate between Kyiv, Moscow even if chances are low

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says he flew to Moscow and Germany for talks with the countries’ leaders “to help with the dialogue between all the sides” amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, Bennett says he traveled “with the blessing and encouragement of all the players,” in apparent reference to the United States.

“As we all know, the situation on the ground isn’t good. The human suffering is great and is liable to be even greater, if things continue on the current track,” he says. “There are also Israelis who need to return home and Jewish communities in distress that need help.”

“Naturally, I cannot expand further. We will continue to help as requested.”

The premier says that even if there is a only small chance his mediation efforts will succeed, it is Israel’s “moral duty” to try.

“Even if the chance isn’t great, when there is even a little opening and we have access to all sides and the ability, I see this as our moral duty to make every effort,” he says.

“As long as the candle is burning, we must make every effort,” Bennett adds.

The prime minister says Israel is gearing up for a “significant wave” of immigration due to the war in Ukraine, which he calls a “challenge” for the country.

“But this is a challenge we have met in the past, time after time, ” he says.

Bennett also addresses the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna, hailing the UN atomic watchdog for not agreeing to close its investigations into suspected nuclear weapons work by Tehran.

“Our position on the deal is known — the disadvantages of the agreement outweigh the advantages. In any case, the deal does not obligate the State of Israel in any way,” he says.