The Iranian attack on Israel led to official condemnations from many countries around the world. However, the statement released by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs took a different stance. While Russia called on all parties to exercise restraint, their announcement was distinctly pro-Iranian. The announcement presented the Iranian position, stating that the attack is a legitimate response in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and Iran’s right to self-defense following the attack in Damascus. It also implied that the attack by Israel was provocative and irresponsible. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman responded harshly to the Israeli ambassador in Moscow who had called for Russia to condemn the Iranian attack, replying, “Remind me when Israel has condemned at least once an attack by the Kiev regime on Russian territory? Don’t remember? Me neither. But I remember the frequent messages of support for Zelensky from [Israeli] officials.” The Russian ambassador to the UN also justified the Iranian attack against Israel.
Russia’s anti-Israel position and alignment with Iran aren’t surprising. It’s yet another example of the strengthening of relations between Russia and Iran and Russia’s positioning alongside Iran in the global arena. The cooperation between the two countries has increased significantly, and in the near and medium term, their strategic alliance, which constitutes a significant security threat to Israel, will further deepen.
The Russian reaction highlights the problematic nature of Israel’s policy of “sitting on both sides of the fence.” From Russia’s perspective, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israel is seen as part of the Western camp and as a protectorate of the United States. Therefore, Israel’s cautious attempts to not take a clear position in favor of Ukraine do not contribute to Israel’s relations with the West, nor will they result in Russian support for Israeli interests. Consequently, Israeli decision-makers should take Russian policy into account and prepare for further deterioration in relations between Russia and Israel, as well as Russian aid to Israel’s enemies.
The Iranian attack on Israel led to official condemnations from many countries around the world. However, the statement released by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs took a different stance. While Russia called on all parties to exercise restraint, their announcement was distinctly pro-Iranian. The announcement presented the Iranian position, stating that the attack is a legitimate response in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and Iran’s right to self-defense following the attack in Damascus. It also implied that the attack by Israel was provocative and irresponsible. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman responded harshly to the Israeli ambassador in Moscow who had called for Russia to condemn the Iranian attack, replying, “Remind me when Israel has condemned at least once an attack by the Kiev regime on Russian territory? Don’t remember? Me neither. But I remember the frequent messages of support for Zelensky from [Israeli] officials.” The Russian ambassador to the UN also justified the Iranian attack against Israel.
Russia’s anti-Israel position and alignment with Iran aren’t surprising. It’s yet another example of the strengthening of relations between Russia and Iran and Russia’s positioning alongside Iran in the global arena. The cooperation between the two countries has increased significantly, and in the near and medium term, their strategic alliance, which constitutes a significant security threat to Israel, will further deepen.
The Russian reaction highlights the problematic nature of Israel’s policy of “sitting on both sides of the fence.” From Russia’s perspective, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israel is seen as part of the Western camp and as a protectorate of the United States. Therefore, Israel’s cautious attempts to not take a clear position in favor of Ukraine do not contribute to Israel’s relations with the West, nor will they result in Russian support for Israeli interests. Consequently, Israeli decision-makers should take Russian policy into account and prepare for further deterioration in relations between Russia and Israel, as well as Russian aid to Israel’s enemies.