Largest Patriot missile transfer: Israel stockpile sent to Ukraine
As reported by Axios, the U.S. military transported about 90 Patriot air defence missiles from Israel to Poland this week. The intention is for these missiles to be delivered to Ukraine.
The American military transported approximately 90 Patriot air defence system missiles from Israel to Poland this week. These missiles are intended to be transferred to Ukraine, as the American portal Axios confirmed. The missiles originate from the Israeli army stockpile, which has withdrawn them from service.
The largest weapon shipment from Israel to Ukraine
This is the most significant weapon shipment from Israel to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion nearly three years ago. Citing three sources familiar with the matter, Axios reported that American C-17 transport aircraft flew from a military base in southern Israel to Rzeszów, Poland.
Patriot systems were withdrawn from the Israeli armed forces in April 2024 after more than 30 years of service. Previously, their main use was training, as Israel developed its own air defence systems. Following the announcement of the Patriots' withdrawal, Kyiv authorities requested the USA and Israel refurbish them and send them to Ukraine.
The decision behind transferring the Patriots
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially was reluctant to discuss the transfer of the weaponry but changed his position in September. At that time, he was seeking President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval for the annual pilgrimage of ultra-Orthodox Jews to Uman to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. A Ukrainian official told Axios that Zelensky refused to take a call from Netanyahu regarding the pilgrimage until the issue of the Patriots was addressed.
Netanyahu's spokesman denied that the Patriot matter was connected to Zelensky's consent for the pilgrimage. The Pentagon did not comment on the matter. A senior Israeli government official informed Axios that Jerusalem had notified Moscow about the decision regarding the Patriots, emphasizing that Israel is "only returning this equipment to the USA" and not delivering it to Ukraine.
Zelensky wrote on social media that he spoke with Netanyahu, discussing the "maintenance of partnership with the United States and their new president, Donald Trump."
Despite Kyiv's requests, Israel has not previously provided military assistance to Ukraine but has sent humanitarian aid. According to media reports, the USA has transported some artillery ammunition stored in Israeli warehouses to Ukraine.
In 2023, when asked about the Israeli government’s policy regarding support for Ukraine, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Jerusalem's assistance would be limited due to concerns about arms potentially falling into the wrong hands.
Last year, Israel provided Ukraine with an early warning system against air attacks known as Tzewa Adom.
