Israel rejected a Russian request one month ago to anchor a missile ship in the port of Haifa, Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed on Wednesday.
An Israeli official told the newspaper that the reason Israel rejected the Russian request was due Israel’s desire to maintain neutrality in the world powers’ confrontation over Ukraine.
Furthermore, Israel feared possible Russian espionage and wanted to protect the country’s relationship with the US, which is opposed to Russian actions in Ukraine.
Previously, Haaretz reported that the Americans were angry at Israel for not supporting the US position towards the Ukrainian crisis.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said last month that it was not possible for Israel to take either side, because this would threaten Israel’s interests.