Saturday08 February 2025
kriminal-ua.info

"Ukraine is different." The Israeli ambassador stated that it is unacceptable for the children of high-ranking officials to avoid serving in the IDF.

Israel faces no issues with mobilization, as reservists voluntarily respond to the initial call-up. This was stated by Israel's ambassador to Kyiv, Michael Brodsky, in an interview with Radio Svoboda published on January 27.
"Украина – иная". Израильский посол отметил, что недопустимо, чтобы дети высокопоставленных чиновников не проходили службу в ЦАХАЛ.

During the conversation, the journalist noted that at the onset of the full-scale invasion by the aggressor country, the Russian Federation, many Ukrainians rushed to enlist in the military eager to take up arms to defend their nation. However, the situation has changed, particularly with the emergence of issues related to desertion.

"I won't give advice to Ukraine," Brodsky responded. "Ukraine is a different country with a different political culture and history. The only thing I can say is that what is happening in Israel – there cannot be a situation where the children of high-ranking officials, ministers, or diplomats do not serve in the army."

According to the diplomat, Israel "truly has no double standards" in this regard.

"It may sound strange to hear in Ukraine, but this is not the case in Israel. And this serves as a tremendous motivation for people because they understand that everyone serves in the army. They recognize that ministers, the Chief of Staff, or the Minister of Defense send their children not just to the army but to combat units. And for them, this is an honor. They are prepared to sacrifice themselves. [...] They understand that there is a risk involved. Nevertheless, it is an honor, it is important, it is their duty. And that is normal. For Israel, this is normal," Brodsky emphasized.

In his opinion, this largely explains why Israel does not face issues with reservists.

"There are no problems with mobilization because reservists come voluntarily, in their own vehicles, without asking to be reimbursed for gas, arriving where needed, to their designated locations, putting on their uniforms, taking up arms, and going to defend Israel," the Israeli ambassador to Ukraine concluded.