U.S. Asks Israel to Transfer Mothballed American Air Defense Systems to Ukraine

“If true, this would represent a more direct, or you might even say ‘dugri’ request of the Israelis,” said Center for a New American Security Senior Fellow Jonathan Lord, who noted this would be a more measured request than asking for the Iron Dome missile defense system.

“Unlike Iron Dome, Hawk is solely a U.S. system. It’s obsolete (it was the predecessor to Patriot). They’re sitting in a shed in Israel collecting dust, and it’s a capability that Ukraine already has, so it wouldn’t be seen as a game-changer in the conflict,” Lord said.

Lord further noted that while it may be coincidental, the reported request was leaked during the largest, most significant bilateral military exercise in their history. “That could be construed as a reminder to Israel, that yes, the U.S. always has your back, but we also need some of your skin in the game to help defend the world order,” he said.

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