After a 9-Month Break, Netanyahu Calls Zelensky

Amid rising tensions between Israel and Ukraine, a phone conversation took place today between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to "I24" channel. An official from Ukraine stated that Netanyahu initiated the call as he is under pressure from religious "Haredi" parties to ensure that the Haredi community can travel to Uman safely during the Hebrew New Year. During the conversation, Netanyahu reassured Zelensky of Israel's ongoing assistance to Ukraine, including support for refugees residing in the country, and emphasized the continuation of aid in developing civil defense systems. He stressed the importance of ensuring, as much as possible, that worshippers can reach Uman this year "to guarantee freedom of worship." This marks the first phone call between Netanyahu and Zelensky in nine months, following significant frustration and anger from the Ukrainian side towards the Israeli government. Ukrainians are disappointed that Netanyahu is the only Western leader, alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has not visited Kyiv.