Israel’s Grain Importers Association said Thursday that a Russian vessel carrying wheat suspected of originating from occupied Ukrainian territories would not be allowed to unload in Israel, with Israeli wheat importer Zenziper forced to turn the ship away amid growing pressure from Kyiv.
“In light of the circumstances, the grain importing company Zenziper has been forced to turn away the Russian vessel carrying a wheat shipment at the center of the dispute with Ukraine," read a statement issued by the association.
"The Russian supplier of the cargo will have to find an alternative destination to unload it."
Kyiv warns Israeli inaction could harm bilateral relations
The decision comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday criticized Israel for accepting what he said was "stolen" grain by Russia. "This is not – and cannot be – legitimate business," said Zelensky in a statement, suggesting Kyiv might resort to imposing sanctions against those attempting to profit from the practice.
“Another vessel carrying such grain has arrived at a port in Israel and is preparing to unload,” he said, referring to an earlier incident this month in which a ship allegedly linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” docked at the Port of Haifa, prompting Ukraine to demand clarification from Israel.
Earlier this week, Ukraine summoned the Israeli ambassador to Kyiv for clarification, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warning of Russia's actions undermining Israel-Ukraine relations. "Friendly Ukrainian-Israeli relations have the potential to benefit both countries, and Russia’s illegal trade with stolen Ukrainian grain should not undermine them," he said.
Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar responded to the summons in an X post later on Monday, saying that diplomatic relations "are not conducted on Twitter."
Sa'ar added that the issue would be examined, emphasizing that "Israel is a state that abides by the rule of law with independent law enforcement authorities."
The Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
