From Jerusalem to Kyiv: Uniting Against the Iran-Russia Axis

Israel stands at a perilous crossroads, confronting an unrelenting barrage of threats from Iran and its proxies—Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terror groups that seek to undermine its existence. The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump on May 6, 2025, halting American military strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, while ignoring their ongoing missile and drone attacks on Israel, serves as a stark warning: Trump is an unreliable ally whose loyalty lies solely with himself. His narcissistic pursuit of personal recognition, devoid of core principles, makes him a dangerous partner for Israel in its fight for survival. To defeat its enemies, Israel must look beyond Trump and forge a strategic alliance with Ukraine, targeting the Iran-Russia axis that sustains the regimes and terror networks threatening the Jewish state. By supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia, Israel can strike a decisive blow against Iran, dismantling the architecture of terror that imperils its future.

Trump’s abrupt ceasefire with the Houthis, mediated by Oman and his envoy Steve Witkoff, was framed as a pragmatic move to stabilize critical Middle East shipping lanes, particularly in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, while advancing Omani-mediated Iran nuclear talks. Yet, the announcement conspicuously omitted any mention of the Houthis’ persistent attacks on Israel, which have escalated in recent months. On May 5, a Houthi ballistic missile landed perilously close to Ben Gurion Airport, prompting sweeping Israeli airstrikes on Houthi infrastructure, including Hodeidah port and Sanaa International Airport. Houthi leaders, far from deterred, vowed to continue their strikes “in support of Gaza,” with Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, advising Israelis to “remain in shelters.” The U.S. decision, made without prior consultation with Jerusalem, left Israel blindsided and exposed, underscoring Trump’s willingness to prioritize his own agenda over the security of allies.

This episode is not an aberration but part of a broader pattern of Trump’s transactional and self-serving approach to foreign policy. His dismissive treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reluctance to bolster NATO allies, and erratic dealings with Canada and Europe reveal a leader who views alliances as tools for personal gain. Trump’s rhetoric during his May 6 Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where he boasted of the Houthis’ plea to avoid U.S. bombings, was less about strategic foresight and more about projecting an image of deal-making prowess. His vague promise of a “very, very, very big announcement” during his upcoming Middle East trip—possibly tied to a $100-billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia or Saudi-Israel normalization—further illustrates his penchant for spectacle over substance. For Trump, allies are disposable if they do not serve his immediate interests, a reality Israel cannot ignore.

Israel’s true enemy is not merely the Houthis, Hamas, or Hezbollah, but the Iranian regime that funds, arms, and directs them. Iran’s mullahs rely heavily on Russia, their strategic partner, for military hardware, economic support, and diplomatic cover. Russia’s backing enables Iran to sustain its proxy wars against Israel, from Gaza to Lebanon to Yemen, while advancing its nuclear ambitions. The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, was reportedly orchestrated as a “birthday gift” to Vladimir Putin, highlighting the deep Moscow-Tehran nexus. To defeat Iran and its terror network, Israel must recognize that Russia’s downfall is a critical step. Without Putin’s regime, Iran’s ability to prop up its proxies would collapse, leaving the mullahs vulnerable and their terror apparatus severely weakened.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision not to support Ukraine, despite earlier indications during his campaign, reflects a missed opportunity to advance Israel’s long-term security interests. In a discussion on X, when I reminded him of his promise, the Prime Minister explained that Ukraine’s votes alongside Palestinians in UN resolutions condemning Israel influenced his change of heart. While this perspective is understandable, it may not fully consider the broader dynamics of global perceptions. The Palestinian narrative often dominates international media and social platforms, where taqiyya—deception rooted in Islamic tradition—shapes public opinion. As I argue in my book, Holy War, Unholy Peace: The Delusion of the Two-State Solution, Palestinians have effectively crafted a narrative that portrays them as victims, often obscuring their rejectionism and violence. Many nations, including Ukraine, rely on limited or biased information about the Israel-Palestine conflict, shaped by skewed media reports or social media echo chambers where anti-Israel sentiment thrives.

Netanyahu’s stance on Ukraine overlooks the shared resilience of Israel and Ukraine, both fighting for survival against more powerful adversaries. Ukrainians have faced Russian aggression with extraordinary courage, just as Israelis have stood firm against powerful Arab nations and now against Iran and its proxies. Punishing Ukraine for its UN votes risks isolating a potential ally whose fight against Russia aligns with Israel’s strategic interests. Instead of retreating into resentment, Israel should engage Ukraine, correcting misconceptions about the Palestinian conflict through dialogue and public diplomacy. By sharing facts and countering propaganda, Israel can shift perceptions and build bridges with nations like Ukraine, fostering cooperation against common threats.

Israel has a unique opportunity to align with Ukraine through tangible cooperation. For instance, intelligence captured from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon could aid Ukraine’s military efforts. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, has coordinated with Russian forces in Syria, gaining insight into Russian tactics, equipment, and communication systems. Israeli operations often yield valuable data—documents, devices, or intercepts—that reveal details about Russian military practices. Sharing this intelligence could help Ukraine counter Russian drones, disrupt communications, or anticipate battlefield strategies, enhancing its fight against Moscow. Beyond intelligence, Israel’s advanced defense technologies, such as drone countermeasures or cyber warfare tools, could bolster Ukraine’s resistance. Even diplomatic advocacy—urging Western allies to prioritize Ukraine’s needs—would signal Israel’s commitment to a shared cause. By helping Ukraine defeat Russia, Israel would disrupt Iran’s lifeline, hastening the collapse of the mullahs’ regime and, by extension, its proxies. The fall of Putin’s Russia would send shockwaves through the world’s tyrannical regimes, from Tehran to Damascus, dismantling the architecture of terror that targets Israel.

Relying on Trump is a gamble Israel cannot afford. His history of abandoning allies—whether Ukraine, the Kurds in Syria, or others—demonstrates his readiness to throw friends under the bus without hesitation. The U.S. remains a vital ally, but under Trump, its reliability is in question. His administration’s focus on short-term deals, such as the Houthi ceasefire or potential Saudi agreements, prioritizes optics over strategy, leaving Israel to fend for itself against Iran’s proxies. Senator Lindsey Graham’s May 6 X post, suggesting Israel must defend itself alone against Iran’s proxies, reflects this reality, albeit with a misguided call to strike Iran directly. While Iran is the root of the problem, targeting it effectively requires weakening its Russian enabler first.

Israel must act independently, building coalitions with nations like Ukraine that share its resolve. The U.S. military’s Operation Rough Rider, which struck over 1,000 Houthi targets since March 2025, shows the value of decisive action, but Trump’s abrupt halt to these strikes underscores his unpredictability. Israel cannot wait for a fickle ally to dictate its security. By aligning with Ukraine, Israel can take control of its destiny, leveraging shared interests to dismantle the Iran-Russia axis. This partnership would also counter Palestinian propaganda, as Israel’s support for Ukraine could shift global narratives, showcasing its commitment to freedom and democracy.

The stakes could not be higher. Iran’s proxies continue to escalate their attacks, with the Houthis firing missiles at Israel, Hezbollah launching rockets from Lebanon, and Hamas regrouping in Gaza. Behind them stands Iran, emboldened by Russian support. Israel’s survival depends on a bold, forward-thinking strategy that transcends reliance on Trump’s whims. Supporting Ukraine is not just an act of solidarity—it is a strategic imperative that could reshape the Middle East and secure Israel’s future.

Israelis, the time to act is now. Stand with Ukraine in its fight against Russia, and in doing so, strike a blow against Iran and its proxies. Advocate for your government to provide Ukraine with military aid, intelligence, or technological support—whether it’s sharing Hezbollah intercepts or supplying defensive systems. Write to Knesset members, organize community discussions, or donate to Ukrainian relief efforts. Amplify this message on social media, urging Israel to lead in this global struggle. The fall of Putin’s regime will topple the mullahs in Iran, crippling Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and all enemies of Israel. Together, let us forge a path to victory—for Ukraine, for Israel, and for a world free from tyranny.