The Ukrainian government has strongly criticized Israel for suspending a program that provided free medical care to Ukrainian refugees residing in Israel. Ukrainian Ambassador Evgeny Korniychuk expressed deep concern and disappointment over Israel’s decision, stating that not only has Israel declined to provide protection against Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians, but they have also halted medical aid for refugees who fled Ukraine due to the violent actions committed by Russia.
The Israeli Finance Ministry made the decision to withhold the transfer of additional funds for free medical care to Ukrainians due to a budget shortfall. However, Israel’s Welfare Ministry has called on the Finance Ministry and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office to restore health care coverage for the refugees.
Many Ukrainians, including a significant number of Jewish individuals, sought refuge in Israel after the conflict with Russia began. The Israeli Welfare Ministry has provided assistance to 83,000 Ukrainians, primarily through health insurance and services. They also plan to continue providing housing assistance and other benefits.
Despite the aid provided by Israel, the Ukrainian Embassy in Tel Aviv has criticized Israel for not providing weapons and accused Israeli officials of disregarding moral boundaries by maintaining relations with Russian diplomats. Prime Minister Netanyahu has argued that sending military aid to Ukraine could be dangerous as the weapons could potentially fall into Iranian hands.
Ambassador Korniychuk also criticized Israeli officials for deporting some Ukrainians and for delays in delivering promised aid. He accused Netanyahu of refusing to meet with Ukrainian First Lady Elena Zelensky and instead sending his wife, Sara Netanyahu, during her visit to Israel in June.
Korniychuk called on the Israeli government to uphold fundamental humanitarian principles by reinstating free medical coverage for Ukrainian refugees. As retaliation for Israel’s deportations of Ukrainian tourists, Ukraine has threatened to close its borders to Israelis traveling to Uman for next month’s Rosh Hashanah holiday.
It is important to note that Israel has maintained neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine. However, Ukraine feels that Israel should do more to support them, particularly in terms of weaponry.
In conclusion, the Ukrainian government is expressing outrage over Israel’s suspension of health care coverage for Ukrainian refugees. They argue that Israel should not only provide protection against Russian attacks but also continue providing medical aid to those who have fled Ukraine due to the conflict.
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