Comparative analysis of the economies of Israel and Iran
| Indicator | Iran | Israel |
| GDP | ~$400 billion | ~$540 billion |
| GDP per capita | ~$4 400 | ~$54 200 |
| Public debt/GDP | ~18 % | ~67 % |
| Military expenditures | 2.5% of GDP ($10 billion) | 5% of GDP ($27 billion) |
| Currency/gold reserves | ~$7.7 billion | ~$76 billion |
| Innovation indicators | ~1 patent/million people | ~74 patents/million people, developed hi-tech |
Israel’s strikes on Iran’s gas infrastructure will push up gas prices in Europe, which means they may also rise in Ukraine, according to Andriy Kobolev, former head of the board of Naftogaz Ukraine.
“Israel has begun to destroy Iran’s gas infrastructure with drones… For those wondering what to do about gas purchases for this winter: this will have a significant impact on the balance (and therefore the price) of natural gas in Europe,” he wrote on Facebook on Sunday.
Kobolev explained that Iran had been supplying gas to Turkey, which resold it to the EU, but now, due to Israeli strikes, Iranian gas is at risk of being cut off, and the Turks will not be able to replace it with Russian gas because both gas pipelines are almost fully loaded.
“Therefore, Turkey will be forced to either reduce gas supplies to the EU or increase the share of more expensive LNG. In any case, this will push prices up in the EU. And if Israel continues to attack the Iranian gas sector, part of Russian gas may be redirected to Iran,” the former head of Naftogaz concluded, advising to prepare for such an impact on prices.
As reported, Ukraine was forced to return to significant gas imports from Europe due to Russian strikes on gas infrastructure.
According to the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System Operator (OGTSU), 501 million cubic meters were imported in May (54% via Hungary, 33% via Poland, and 12% via Slovakia), or 16.1 million cubic meters per day. At the same time, former OGTSU board chairman Serhiy Makogon believes that Ukraine needs to import approximately 870 million cubic meters per month, or 29 million cubic meters per day, to achieve last year’s planned gas storage targets in underground gas storage facilities (UGS).
Number of personnel in the armed forces
Air Force and missile defense
Missile and drone arsenal
Intelligence and special forces
Conclusions.
In terms of military power, Iran wins in terms of numbers: soldiers, missiles, drones, and a large fleet. However, Israel has a qualitative advantage: modern fighter jets, missile defense, cyber infrastructure, nuclear capabilities, and innovative technologies. In the event of war, Iran has the resources for a long-term, large-scale campaign, but Israel may be able to deliver a decisive technological blow first, with US support and thanks to its dominance in critical areas.
Israel is closing its diplomatic missions worldwide and consular services will not be provided, the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine said.
“In light of recent events, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided,” a statement on the embassy’s website said on Friday.
It is noted that Israelis abroad can use an online form to report their location and current status.
Source: https://new.embassies.gov.il/ukraine/en/announcements/rising-lion-israel-iran-june-2025
Celebrations were held in the capital of Ukraine on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the State of Israel. The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, Ukrainian authorities, the Jewish community, public organizations, artists and friends of Israel from different regions of Ukraine.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine Michael Brodsky delivered a welcoming speech.
“Thank you for joining us today to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Israel’s independence,” the Ambassador addressed the guests.
He emphasized the deep historical and mental connection between the Ukrainian and Israeli peoples:
“There are few countries in the world that understand each other better than Israel and Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, from the first day of Russian aggression, the people of Israel supported Ukraine. On October 7, when the horrific terrorist attack on Israel took place, the people of Ukraine unequivocally supported our country. We feel this support and highly appreciate it,” the diplomat emphasized.
The ambassador devoted a special place in his speech to the topic of freedom and the price paid by the peoples of both countries for their independence.
“Our peoples are acutely aware of the high price we have to pay for our independence. We pay for it with the blood of our children and our loved ones. Israelis and Ukrainians live in hope for a speedy end to the war and peaceful life,” Brodsky said.
The ambassador expressed confidence in a common future:
“I am confident that in spite of everything, we will cope with our problems. That despite wars and terror, our countries will remain free and independent,” he said.
The diplomat also mentioned the historical figure of Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, who was born in Kyiv:
“Recently, we have often recalled Golda Meir. Many of her quotes sound very modern today. I would like to remind you of one of her statements: “Pessimism is a luxury that Jews can never afford.” This fully applies to Ukrainians as well,” Michael Brodsky emphasized.
Israel’s Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) is celebrated according to the Jewish calendar on the 5th of Iyar (May 13, 2025). It was on this day in 1948 that David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the independent State of Israel in Tel Aviv after the end of the British Mandate in Palestine. The very next day, the newly created state was attacked by neighboring Arab countries, which marked the beginning of the War of Independence. Since then, Israel has annually celebrated this date as a symbol of victory, survival, and national revival of the Jewish people.
Israel has sent several hundred portable EcoFlow charging stations to Ukraine to help Ukrainians get through the winter and cope with electricity problems, the press service of the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine reported on Thursday.
“The Israeli Embassy in Kyiv and MASHAV (the Center for International Cooperation of the Israeli Foreign Ministry) will hand over portable stations to families in need in different regions of Ukraine,” the embassy’s press service said in a statement. The State of Israel recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 25, 1991. On December 26, 1991, diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the State of Israel were established. In 1993, the Embassy of the State of Israel was opened in Kyiv. Since 2021, Michael Brodsky has been the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Ukraine.
