Israel is reportedly considering transferring weapons captured from Hezbollah to Ukraine, raising speculation about a potential shift in its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The initiative, discussed during a meeting on 21, January 2025 between Ukraine’s ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, would involve providing Russian or Soviet-made equipment seized during military operations in Lebanon. Additionally, recent movements of American military aircraft between Israel and Poland, a key logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine, suggest that such a transfer may already be underway. However, the lack of official confirmation and counterarguments leave the matter unresolved.
During operations in southern Lebanon in November 2024, the IDF seized more than 85,000 items of weaponry (Picture source: Yossi Zeliger)
The idea of transferring the captured weapons arose in the context of the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and rising regional tensions involving Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah. According to an official statement, Ambassador Korniychuk recently met with Deputy Minister Haskel to discuss a proposed law that would allow Israel to transfer weapons seized by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Ukrainian embassy expressed hope for a “positive resolution,” noting that such an initiative could address common security threats faced by both countries. This development comes as Israel has historically maintained neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, refraining from directly supplying weapons to Kyiv.
The weapons under consideration include a variety of modern equipment provided to Hezbollah by Russia and Iran. During operations in southern Lebanon in November 2024, the IDF seized more than 85,000 items of weaponry. This cache included Kornet and Almas anti-tank missiles, RPG-29 Vampire grenade launchers, Strela-2 portable air defense systems, mortars, and ammunition. Some of the captured equipment remains in pristine condition, with some items still in factory packaging, making them immediately deployable by Ukrainian forces.
For Israel, transferring these weapons could serve two purposes. First, it would save the considerable costs associated with destroying them. Second, it could act as a political response to Russia, which has supplied arms to Hezbollah and deepened its ties with Iran—an adversary of Israel.
Several indirect signs point to the possibility of an ongoing or imminent weapons transfer. Military observers and flight tracking services have reported unusual activity involving American transport aircraft traveling from Hatzerim Air Base in Israel to Rzeszów in Poland, a critical logistics hub for Western military aid to Ukraine.
Images shared on social media, including those from pro-Russian blogs like Two Majors, depict what appear to be shipments of missiles and other captured weapons, allegedly destined for Ukraine. These images, coupled with the flight activity, have fueled speculation about a transfer, even though Israeli officials have not confirmed these claims.
Despite the evidence, several factors argue against the likelihood of such a transfer. Israel, which seeks to maintain a delicate diplomatic balance with Russia, may hesitate to take an action that could provoke Moscow. Russia has played a significant role in Syria, where Israeli and Russian forces have coordinated to avoid direct conflict. A breakdown in this relationship could have serious geopolitical consequences for Israel.
Additionally, the proposed Israeli legislation that would authorize the transfer of such weapons has not yet been passed by the Knesset, making any immediate transfer unlikely. Furthermore, Israel may prefer to avoid becoming overtly involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to prevent escalating regional tensions, particularly given its ongoing operations in Lebanon and Gaza.
As Israel reevaluates its position amid the growing alliance between Russia and Iran, the potential transfer of weapons seized from Hezbollah to Ukraine remains a complex and unresolved issue. While recent flight movements, diplomatic discussions, and the nature of the seized weapons suggest that such a transfer could be in progress, no concrete evidence has emerged to confirm it.
Whether the transfer occurs or not, the discussions highlight the strategic dilemmas Israel faces in an increasingly polarized international environment. Such a move could not only influence the course of the Ukraine conflict but also redefine the fragile balance in Israel’s relations with Russia.
