Lapid reportedly says in private gathering: Israel ‘must condemn dictators who attack democracies’

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid reportedly tells a private meeting during a discussion on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that Israel must condemn dictators.

“Israel must be on the right side and condemn dictators who attack democracies,” Lapid says in an apparent reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Army Radio.

Lapid’s office says they will not comment on a private gathering.

Israel is walking a delicate line between Russia and Ukraine, with concerns over Jerusalem’s coordination with Moscow over Israeli airstrikes on Iranian-backed targets in Syria.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked that Jerusalem serve as a mediator with Russia to help resolve the military conflict between the countries.

While Lapid has previously condemned Russian aggression, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has refrained from mentioning Moscow in public statements on the war.