Israel's Defense Ministry on Saturday denied a false report that it had agreed to Estonia's request to equip Ukraine with the Blue Spear (5G SSM) land-to-sea missile system.
Ukrainian journalist Rostyslav Demchuk reported on Friday that Estonia, which purchased an unspecified number of Blue Spear systems from its manufacturer Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in October 2021, asked Israel for its authorization to transfer one of the systems to Ukraine's Armed Forces, currently defending Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
Demchuk claimed that Israel complied with the Baltic nation's request.
Both Estonia and Israel denied this claim.
The Blue Spear missile system is one of the most advanced anti-ship missile systems in the world, allowing for launching from land-based platforms with flight at high subsonic speed.
The false Ukrainian report comes following a Ha'aretz report from earlier in May stating Israel is leaning toward expanding its aid to Ukraine, including sending military assistance.
The increase in aid would be a “substantial step” compared with what Israel has already provided, and would be more symbolic and “not include substantial quantities of supplies” because of the aid already provided by the US and European countries, the report said.'
Jerusalem has been trying to strike a balance between Russia and Ukraine, but Ha'aretz quoted a source as saying the US and some European countries expect Israel to take a clearer stance regarding which side it is on “and to back its decision with deeds and not just statements.”