A source well versed in Israel-Russia relations told "Israel Hayom" that the source of Russian hostility to the Jewish Agency, which the Russian Ministry of Justice demanded last week to stop the agency's activities in the country, does not stem from anti-Semitism, but rather from the fact that the agency encourages the immigration of high-quality Jewish populations, and in the eyes of the Russians causes for brain drain from the country.
Against this background, criticisms and harassment began already years ago, from which the agency's branches in the field cities in Russia (as opposed to the central headquarters in the capital Moscow) suffered mainly.
In addition to this, news was recently published in the Israeli media that the Russian embassy in Tel Aviv is supposedly organizing demonstrations in support of Russia and against Ukraine.
Although it is not clear whether Israel has sent any official message in this regard, in the view of the Russians the fact that critical articles were published about the activities of their embassy may well be interpreted as an attempt to narrow its steps, which requires a corresponding response against Israeli bodies in Russia.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid, today, photo: Mark Israel Salem
The source estimates that the change of prime minister in Israel played a role in the Russian decision to suddenly escalate the fight against the agency, this against the background of the more sympathetic approach towards Ukraine that Yair Lapid took when he served as foreign minister in the Bennett government.
As you may remember, Lapid condemned the massacre in Bocha near Kyiv in clear and sharp words and blamed the Russians for it, while Bennett, who served as Prime Minister at the time, avoided explicitly assigning responsibility to them.
In terms of the steps that Israel can take against Russia, according to the source, "Returning the ambassador for consultations or supplying weapons to Ukraine are two far-reaching options that it is doubtful that Israel will take. Even supplying defensive weapons, such as Iron Dome, could provide the Russians with an excuse to equip the Syrians with anti-aircraft missiles Advanced S-400 type, which are also allegedly a defensive weapon.
The source also said: "Nevertheless, it is quite possible that we will see a change in Israeli statements regarding the war in Ukraine and perhaps even more significant aid that does not include the supply of weapons. In addition, Israel can stop the process of transferring ownership of the Alexander Court complex in Jerusalem to the Russians, although in any case Stuck after the court invalidated the move."
Russian President Vladimir Putin, last week, photo: AFP.
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