**Dramatic Footage from Israel and Ukraine Raise Questions**
As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, striking videos of air defenses battling ballistic missiles have flooded the internet. But why are there so many dramatic videos coming out of Israel, while those from Ukraine show little to none? This article delves into the reasons behind this disparity.
**Disinformation Campaigns and Downplaying Russia’s Violence**
Some online commentators have questioned why Russian attacks on cities like Kyiv are not shown in the same level of detail as Iranian missile strikes on Tel Aviv. Ivan Kyrychevskyi, a military expert with the Defense Express think tank, believes that this is part of a disinformation campaign to downplay Russia’s violence and the suffering of Ukrainian civilians.
**Different Types of Weapons**
Kyrychevskyi also points out that the types of weapons being used in Ukraine and Israel are different. Russian missiles targeting Kyiv often do not create the dramatic visual effect seen with Iranian ballistic missiles, such as prominent trails in the sky.
**Filming Air Defenses in Israel vs. Ukraine**
While there is no shortage of videos from Israel showing air defense systems launching interceptors at incoming missiles, filming and publishing videos of air defenses in Ukraine are strictly prohibited. This is because such information can help the Russian army locate military positions and strike back.
Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat told the Kyiv Independent that “large air defense systems are priority targets for the enemy” and that their locations must be kept secret to avoid being targeted.
In contrast, Israel does not have a law prohibiting filming of air defenses. This is because Israel has one of the most sophisticated networks of air defense on the planet and less to fear from Iran locating its systems than Ukraine does of Russia.
**Why is it Legal in Israel?**
Israel’s smaller size allows for denser and more efficient deployment of air defenses, making it easier to cover the country entirely. In contrast, Ukraine’s vast territory makes it difficult to cover entirely with air defense systems.
Ukraine currently operates an ad-hoc mix of Soviet-era and Western-supplied air defense systems, including legacy systems like the S-300 and modern Western systems like Patriot. The limited number of these systems means their locations are shrouded in secrecy.
**Conclusion**
The stark contrast between videos from Israel and Ukraine is not just down to different types of weapons being used. It’s also a result of a deliberate decision by Ukraine to keep its air defense positions secret, while Israel can afford to be more open due to its smaller size and effective air defense network.
As the conflict continues, it’s essential to understand these nuances and not fall prey to disinformation campaigns that downplay Russia’s violence and the suffering of Ukrainian civilians.
