Israel has attempted to walk a tightrope between supporting Ukraine, where there are thousands of Israelis and tens of thousands of Jews, and maintaining ties with Russia, a major player in Syria to Israel’s north.

Ukrainian President  Volodymyr Zelensky first said he is open to talks, but not in Belarus, from where the Russian army is attacking his country. He later agreed to hold negotiations on Ukraine’s border with Belarus.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin Sunday afternoon, the Prime Minister’s office said, adding that the two discussed the situation between Russia and Ukraine.

‘’Bennett offers Putin to mediate end to war with Ukraine,’’ the office said without further details.

“Israel is willing to help if it is asked and at any time to settle the cross and bring the sides together,” a diplomatic source quoted by The Jerusalem Post said.

“Putin was open to Bennett’s offer,” the source said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked Israel several times to mediate with Russia, including in his conversation with Bennett on Friday.

Putin responded that he is willing to hold talks with Ukraine in Belarus, the Russian news agency RIA reported.

President  Zelensky first said he is open to talks, but not in Belarus, from where the Russian army is attacking his country. He later agreed to hold negotiations on Ukraine’s border with Belarus.

Israel is conducting ‘’a measured and responsible policy,’’ Bennett said at the start of Sunday’s cabinet meeting.

‘’I would like to express the hope that this conflict be resolved before the war develops further and the humanitarian consequences will be much worse than we can even imagine,’’ he said.

He said in the next two days a plane will arrive in Ukraine with 100 tons of Israeli humanitarian equipment for civilians in the combat zones and those who are trying to leave. It will have water purification kits, medical equipment as well as drugs, tents, blankets, sleeping bags and additional equipment for civilians who are not in their homes in the cold winter weather.

Bennett has faced criticism in recent days for not condemning Russia’s attack and only expressing support for the people of Ukraine. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid  did come out against Russia for “violating the international order.” Senior diplomatic sources said that the top ministers’ statements have been coordinated, such that Lapid would be harder on Russia.

Israel has attempted to walk a tightrope between supporting Ukraine, where there are thousands of Israelis and tens of thousands of Jews, and maintaining ties with Russia, a major player in Syria to Israel’s north.

Thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Saturday to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Social media showed swarms of people of all ages holding signs and chanting, calling on the Israeli government to stand up against Moscow.

Several ambassadors to Israel from the former Soviet Union were present at the event, according to reports.

“We stand with the people of Ukraine and hope for an immediate end to this war,” the pro-Israel NGO StandWithUs wrote in a Facebook post alongside an image from the rally.

Attendees reportedly marched from Tel Aviv’s Habima Square to the Russian embassy.