Israel stopped the US from transferring several batteries of the Iron Dome missile defense system to Ukraine due to concerns that it would damage Jerusalem’s relations with Russia, the Ynet news site reported on Tuesday.
According to the report, the Iron Dome’s capabilities — especially during the 2021 Gaza war — intrigued Ukrainian defense officials.
Representatives of Ukraine lobbied aggressively in Washington to convince US members of Congress to transfer the rocket and mortar defense system to them last year.
Kyiv officially requested the Biden administration to transfer both Patriot and Iron Dome systems to Ukraine in the spring of 2021.
There were no fears of a potential war with Russia during that time. This could be why both Democratic and Republican lawmakers backed the transfer.
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