Senior Israeli source says Russia and Ukraine positions ‘narrowing’ during Bennett’s talks

A senior Israeli source tells Channel 12 that, amid Prime Minister Bennett’s mediation efforts, “there’s a certain narrowing of positions” between Russia and Ukraine.

“The Russians initially demanded the ouster of Zelensky and disarmament [of Ukraine]. That’s no longer their position. And the Ukrainians have also come down from some of their previous [positions],” the unnamed source says.

“Israel did not start meditating in order to convene a summit for the cameras in Jerusalem. That’s not the goal,” the source says.

The source seems to imply that Israel should not join Western sanctions against Russia, despite what is said to be growing pressure to do so, because staying neutral will allow Israel to mediate between the sides.

“If there a way to put an end to the bloodshed, that’s of the highest value,” the source says.

Bennett has been in repeated contact with Zelensky and Putin in recent days, including a lengthy call with the Russian president and a follow-up call with the Ukrainian president yesterday.