Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, addressed the crisis between Russia and Ukraine today (Tuesday) and spoke about his ties with President Putin. He said that if there was an invasion, there would be no escape from Israeli intervention alongside the United States.
“I have known Putin for more than 20 years,” Barak said in an interview with Esti Perez on the Public Broadcasting Corporation’s “At Half Day” program. “He is a talented and calculated man and far from crazy. He plays with weak cards. “Ukraine will continue to slip into NATO hands and its Kremlin chair will be undermined.”
Barak added: “Ukraine for the Russians is like the most sensitive parts of Judea and Samaria for us. Israel is in a delicate situation. The United States is our main ally. On the other hand, we have a deep interest in Russia. “If it comes to a worldwide confrontation, Israel will have to stutter to take the American position.”
As you may recall, as reported in Shabbat Square last night, Putin announced his recognition of the two provinces in eastern Ukraine as Russian territories, and began to infiltrate military forces while absorbing global criticism. Today, in response, the President of Ukraine announced that he is considering canceling diplomatic relations with Russia.
During the interview, Barak also referred to the crisis in the coalition. “I do not think Eli Avidar sees a disintegration of the government,” Barak said, referring to Avidar’s expected statement today in which he is expected to announce his resignation as minister and his de facto return to the Knesset.
Barak added about Avidar: “He wants to influence and he sees that kosher without a portfolio he does not influence anything. This government is incomparably better than its predecessor, it has achievements in budget and corona. There are disagreements, but no cult of personality and idolatry.”