Ukrainian ambassador lambasts Israel for scrapping refugee health insurance

Ukraine’s ambassador to Israel called the government’s decision to nix medical coverage for Ukrainian refugees “deeply disappointing” urging it to “reconsider” its decision. 

On Wednesday, the Finance Ministry decided to withhold funds earmarked for medical coverage for some 14,000 Ukrainian refugees in Israel.

“We are deeply disappointed and troubled by the recent decision made by the Israeli government to terminate health insurance benefits for Ukrainian refugees,” said Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk.

“Not only does the Israeli government refuse to sell Ukraine protective measures against the murder of our citizens by the Russians – now Israel is also stopping medical assistance for refugees who fled to Israel from the threat of brutal killing in the hands of the Russians. We call the Israeli government not to turn the back on a basic humanitarian act – concern for the health of our refugees,” Korniychuk said.

Over the past 18 months, some 100 million shekels have been allocated to provide humanitarian relief to refugees, of which 80% was earmarked for health insurance. The aid helped over 83,000 Ukrainian refugees.

The Welfare and Social Affairs Ministry also criticised the decision to withhold funds, urging both the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office “to address this matter urgently.”

“It’s worth noting that, at present, the ministry will persist in offering welfare and emergency housing services to Ukrainian war refugees in Israel,” the ministry added.

Korniychuk called on the government to “uphold its commitment to fundamental humanitarian values by safeguarding the well-being of Ukrainian refugees.”

The ambassador also appealed to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to “reconsider” the decision and “demonstrate an act of compassion by ensuring Ukrainian refugees have access to essential social protection and health insurance.”