Was It Wise? Israel’s UN Vote on Ukraine and the Perils of Political Realignment

On February 24, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly held a vote on a European-backed resolution condemning Russia as the aggressor in its ongoing war against Ukraine. The resolution, non binding yet symbolically significant, overwhelmingly passed. However, the US, under the newly inaugurated second Trump administration, shifted its stance and voted against it. Seventeen other nations joined the US in opposing the resolution, among them, Israel.

[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/24/un-general-assembly-russia-ukraine-war]

This marked a notable departure from Israel’s previous positioning, raising urgent questions about the wisdom of such a realignment. What compelled Israel to vote against a measure it had previously supported? What are the broader diplomatic consequences, and what does this signal about Israel’s evolving foreign policy calculus?

Israel’s Strategic Dilemma

For Israel, foreign policy is a perpetual balancing act. In previous UN votes, Israel had walked a tightrope—occasionally condemning Russian aggression while maintaining a cautious relationship with Moscow. This balancing act was driven by hard geopolitical realities: Russia’s entrenched presence in Syria, its potential to influence Iranian military activities, and the Jewish communities still residing in Russia and Ukraine.

Yet, by voting alongside the US against the resolution, Israel has signaled a recalibration that could have significant diplomatic consequences. Beyond the immediate concerns about US relations, this move may alienate European allies, weaken Israel’s bipartisan support in Washington, and complicate its broader strategic positioning in a shifting global order.

The Trump Factor

The shift in US policy under Trump is central to understanding Israel’s decision. Trump’s stance on Ukraine has been markedly different from that of his predecessor, President Biden, who had maintained a strong pro-Ukraine position. During Biden’s tenure, Israel’s votes reflected a more traditional alignment with the West’s stance against Russian aggression.

Trump, however, has openly questioned continued US military aid to Kyiv, refused to place sole blame on Russia for the war, and signaled openness to negotiating directly with Putin. Given Trump’s history of unpredictability, Israel’s vote may have been an attempt to ensure continued US support, particularly in light of rising tensions in the Middle East. However, such a move could come at a cost—potentially eroding bipartisan support in the US, which has historically been a key pillar of Israel’s security and diplomatic backing.

A Diplomatic Own Goal?

Israel’s vote against the resolution does not just risk damaging its standing in Europe—it may also embolden adversaries. Russia’s close ties with Iran have long been a concern for Israel, and Moscow’s ability to influence Tehran’s behavior in Syria remains a critical security consideration. Aligning with Russia, even symbolically, could limit Israel’s leverage in containing Iranian threats and create new vulnerabilities in an already volatile region.

Moreover, Israel’s position could send mixed signals to Ukraine, a country with a significant Jewish population and a leadership that has historically sought strong ties with Jerusalem. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, himself of Jewish heritage, has previously criticized Israel for failing to provide military aid, and this latest vote could deepen the rift. It may also erode Israel’s credibility when advocating for international solidarity on its own security concerns.

Conclusion: Pragmatism or Misstep?

Israel’s decision to vote against the UN resolution is a stark reminder of the perils of short-term diplomatic maneuvering. While maintaining US support under Trump is undoubtedly a priority, Israel must weigh the costs of alienating key partners in Europe, weakening its bipartisan support in the US, and inadvertently strengthening Russia’s hand in the Middle East.

History has rarely been kind to those who bet on transient political winds at the cost of enduring alliances. If Israel’s vote was meant to secure favor with the Trump administration, it may find that the price of this maneuver is higher than expected. Whether this was a necessary strategic compromise or an avoidable diplomatic miscalculation remains to be seen, but Israel would be wise to tread carefully as global alliances continue to shift unpredictably.