European diplomat slams Israeli attempts to keep Putin ties intact

A European diplomat criticizes Israel’s cautious policy on the Ukraine conflict in a phone call with The Times of Israel.

“Israel can’t decide not to be on the side of the European countries and the United States,” the diplomat says, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said today that Israel was seeking to “help quietly” while maintaining its own strategic interests.

“The State of Israel has taken a measured and responsible approach, which allows us not only to protect our interests, but also to be useful,” Bennett said.

The diplomat says that European countries “are aware of Israel’s security interests.” But the official also adds that Israel is putting too much weight on maintaining good ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“How is Israel ready to trust a president that is violating all his relations with all the world, that this outweighs anything else for Israel?” the diplomat says.