War in Europe: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” this morning (Thursday) in the Donabas region of eastern Ukraine, and his army launched a series of bombings on a number of targets across the country. “I have decided to launch a special military operation,” Putin declared, explaining why: “to protect the people who for the past eight years have been exploited and genocide by the Kiev administration.” At least 18 people were later reported killed in a missile attack on Odessa and alarms were sounded in the capital.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addressed the Russian invasion at the graduation ceremony of a 62-year-old combat officers’ course held at the Laskov camp, in HAD 1, after the Foreign Ministry spokesman announced yesterday that “Israel shares international concern about the steps in eastern Ukraine and the severe escalation.” “Hopefully a diplomatic solution will be found that will lead to calm and is ready to mobilize for it, if requested.”
“You are starting your career today as IDF officers at a time when the world order we know is changing. The world is much less stable and our region is also changing its face from day to day. These days teach us that war between armies is not, unfortunately, a thing of the past.
“The State of Israel stands these days as an anchor of strength, of stability, of security and of hope, in a difficult area, saturated with threats and challenges. Every Israeli always knows that he has a home to return to, that there is someone to take care of him in time of need.
“From here I turn to the citizens of Israel who have not yet left Ukraine: get out now. Save your lives. Our people are waiting to receive you at the border crossings in the west of the country. In addition, every Jew, everywhere in the world, knows we are waiting for them here.”
These are difficult and tragic moments, and our hearts go out to the citizens of Ukraine who have fallen into this situation without injustice on their part. Israel has vowed to lend a hand in any humanitarian aid required. We have the ability, and we are learning from it. ”