Ukraine is optimistic about a proposed Knesset bill that could allow Israel to transfer Russian-made weapons seized in Lebanon to Kyiv, according to a statement released by the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel on Tuesday.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, hosted Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, and thanked her for proposing the legislation. Haskel initially introduced the bill in November 2023, prior to her appointment as Deputy Foreign Minister. 

Korniychuk "expressed hope for a positive resolution," underscoring Ukraine's interest in acquiring these arms to bolster its defense against Russia's ongoing invasion.

If passed, the bill would represent a significant shift in Israeli policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. To date, Jerusalem has maintained a largely neutral stance, balancing complex diplomatic ties with Moscow and the West. A move to arm Ukraine could strain relations between Jerusalem and Moscow, potentially leading to diplomatic repercussions.

The weapons in question were seized by the Israeli army during their operations in southern Lebanon in November. Among the seized arms were modern Kornet anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) manufactured in 2020. These weapons, according to Syrian security officials and sources quoted by the Wall Street Journal, were transferred from Russian stockpiles in Syria to Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

Approximately 60-70% of the weapons seized in the early stages of the Israeli army’s ground invasion were identified as being of Russian origin, an army major revealed to the Wall Street Journal.

Despite Haskel’s initiative, Israeli officials have stressed that the proposal remains a private bill and does not reflect an official shift in government policy. Successive Israeli governments have avoided supplying arms to Ukraine throughout the conflict, opting instead for a cautious approach aimed at preserving a delicate relationship with Moscow.