After Israel introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) system for tourists from visa-free countries, Ukraine and Moldova announced they might implement similar measures.
News of Israel journalist Alla Gavrilova interviewed Yevgen Korniychuk, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel, about this development.
Four days ago, the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel posted on Facebook that the introduction of the ETA-IL system effectively ends the visa-free regime between our countries. The embassy stated that Ukraine is considering reciprocal measures. Why is there a protest, considering that Israel is implementing the electronic screening system for all visa-free countries, not just Ukraine?
We are not protesting; we are observing a trend. This measure will make it harder for Ukrainians to enter Israel. While it isn't discriminatory and applies to other countries, we may introduce reciprocal electronic visas for Israeli citizens.
Since the war in Ukraine began, we have faced significant issues with the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs. In 2022, they attempted to introduce electronic visas for Ukrainians, effectively ending the visa-free regime. We appealed to the Supreme Court of Israel, which overturned Minister Ayelet Shaked's decision.
Do you believe that introducing ETA-IL is another attempt to make it harder for Ukrainian citizens to enter Israel?
Let's just say communication between our countries won't get easier. I understand the goal isn't bad—to screen out those who broke the law. But it's another hurdle. Since Ukraine's war began, Israel's added these hurdles. It's the only country doing this. Canada and Ireland, for instance, axed visas for Ukrainians early on.
Yes, it might save Ukrainians time and money, avoiding trips where they might just get turned away. But this permit doesn't guarantee entry—Israel's border service decides.
It's better to announce such changes six months ahead, not just one, so people can prepare.
At what level is the discussion of mirror measures currently taking place?
We're likely to implement these measures in Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Government before the Uman pilgrimage begins. Last year, 35,000 Israelis visited Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Unfortunately, many are now on Ukraine's "black lists" for crossing borders illegally, overstaying visas, or committing offenses. For example, a Hasidic woman was fatally hit by a car in Vinnytsia last year, resulting in criminal cases. It's better they know in advance if they'll be denied entry, rather than at the border.
May I ask for your comment on reports from Israeli media and public forums? They suggest that a year and a half ago, Ukraine proposed to Israel to study Iranian UAVs used by Russia in bombing Ukraine. It's reported that Israel responded to these proposals only after October 7, and it's said these proposals were communicated through you.
This isn't entirely accurate. At the beginning of last year, right after the current Israeli government took office, I presented Benjamin Netanyahu with a gift from President Zelensky—a fragment of an Iranian drone. Acknowledging Iran as a common adversary, I proposed closer security cooperation. Israel likely recognizes that Russia isn't an ally, but no specific proposals through me were made regarding studying how to combat these drones.
It's no secret that our respective authorities cooperate, especially since the conflict began in Israel, they've undoubtedly ramped up their collaboration.
