COMPLEXITY OF ROLES: ISRAEL’S POLICYMAKING TOWARDS THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

The Russia-Ukraine War has significantly reshaped global geopolitical dynamics, compelling middle and small powers to navigate the competing pressures of global superpowers. This study examines Israel’s foreign policy towards the Russia-Ukraine War, which began in 2022 and continues to this day, through the lens of Role Theory, with a particular focus on National Role Conceptions (NRCs). The research identifies three key NRCs—Humanitarian Aid Provider, Mediator, and Strategic Ally—as central to understanding Israel’s nuanced and cautious approach to the conflict. These roles reflect Israel’s efforts to balance historical alliances with the West and its strategic arrangements with Russia, particularly in the context of regional security dynamics in the Middle East. The study employs qualitative content analysis of official statements made by key actors, including prime ministers and defense officials, to uncover how NRCs guide foreign policy decisions amidst conflicting external pressures and internal political dynamics. The Humanitarian Aid Provider role highlights Israel’s commitment to its moral obligations and historical identity, evident in its provision of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The Mediator role demonstrates Israel’s attempt to leverage its unique relationships with both Russia and Ukraine to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions, albeit with limited success. Meanwhile, the Strategic Ally role underscores Israel’s efforts to maintain its commitments to Western partners, particularly the United States, while carefully managing its security dependencies on Russia in Syria. This study addresses a gap in the existing literature by applying Role Theory to Israel’s foreign policy in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It provides valuable insights into how middle powers, like Israel, navigate complex international crises by balancing competing expectations and pursuing strategic flexibility. The findings contribute both theoretically, by advancing the application of NRCs in foreign policy analysis, and practically, by offering recommendations for policymakers facing similar geopolitical challenges. Ultimately, this research enhances our understanding of middle power behavior in an increasingly multipolar and uncertain international order.