Israel is readying itself for a “significant wave of immigration” as thousands of Ukrainian Jews escape the war.  

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel had a “moral obligation” to take all those who needed help. 

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian Jews may be arriving in the next few weeks. Ukraine’s Jewish population is thought to be around 200,000, according to officials in Israel. Some estimates have put it at up to 350,000. The arrival of the refugees will be the biggest wave of immigration since Russian Jews came after the break-up of the Soviet Union .  

Mr Bennett said: “The human suffering is great and is liable to be much greater. There are also Israelis who need to return home and Jewish communities in distress that need help. We will continue to assist as needed.

“Even if the chance is not great – as soon as there is even a small opening, and we have access to all sides and the capability – I see this as our moral obligation to make every effort.

“As long as the candle is burning, we must make an effort and perhaps it will yet be possible to act.

“We are prepared for a significant wave of immigration. This is a challenge for the State of Israel but it is a challenge we have met in the past, time and again.

“At such moments, when the world is facing turmoil and Jews are no longer safe where they are, everyone is reminded how important it is that there is a home for Jews wherever they are; how important it is that we have the State of Israel.”

The Interior Ministry has amended the Law of Return, which normally requires a non-Jewish immigrant to be accompanied by a Jewish relative. This is to allow in non-Jewish partners and relatives of Jewish men who were drafted to stay behind and fight in Ukraine.