Russia Praises Israel's Restraint on Ukraine, Offers Mideast Mediation
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Russia's Ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, published an article marking 35 years of diplomatic ties, praising Israel's policy in the Middle East and its refusal to supply offensive weapons to Ukraine. He offered Russia's mediation services for regional conflicts and criticized Israeli banks for hindering direct trade, which exceeds $2 billion annually. Viktorov expressed hope for continued constructive dialogue between Israel and Russia, despite global tensions and sanctions against Moscow.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Russian Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov praised Israel's policy and refusal to send arms to Ukraine.
- Russia offered its mediation services to help build bridges between Muslim countries and Israel.
- Annual trade between Russia and Israel exceeds $2 billion, though banks hinder direct payments.
- Viktorov criticized Israeli banks for "excessive caution" impacting direct financial transactions.
- He expressed hope Israel's next government will continue constructive dialogue with Russia.
- Putin and Netanyahu held seven phone calls between January 2025 and January 2026.
Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov published a comprehensive article marking 35 years since the renewal of full diplomatic relations between Moscow and Jerusalem. The article outlines Moscow's vision for the Middle East, praises current Israeli policy, and implicitly criticizes Israel's banking system. Viktorov's piece, written for the anniversary of October 1991, offers a rare glimpse into Russia's perspective on bilateral cooperation amidst the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Viktorov began with a historical overview, noting that connections between the peoples predate Israel's establishment and that key figures like Chaim Weizmann, Ze'ev Jabotinsky, David Ben-Gurion, and Golda Meir were influenced by Russian society and politics. He highlighted the Red Army's role in World War II, where half a million Jews served, and identified combating historical revisionism and antisemitism as shared values. He stated that the Soviet Union was the first to recognize Israel de jure in May 1948 and, even after severing ties in June 1967, never denied Israel's right to exist and maintained closed channels.
Addressing regional issues, Viktorov asserted Russia's enduring presence in the Middle East and criticized the use of military force, arguing it deepens regional problems. He called for a political solution based on international law and offered Moscow's mediation services, stating Russia is ready to help build bridges between Muslim countries and Israel to find mutually acceptable solutions. The goal, he added, is an open and equitable regional security system considering all nations' interests, including Israel's.
Economically, Viktorov revealed that annual trade between the two countries exceeds $2 billion. However, he criticized Israel's financial sector, stating direct payments are impossible due to Israeli banks' "excessive caution." Despite this, he noted that businesspeople are finding "unconventional solutions" to logistical and financial issues, even amid an "unprecedented wave of illegal sanctions" against Moscow.
The ambassador concluded optimistically, hoping that after the next Knesset elections, Israel's political leadership will not join the anti-Russian sanctions agenda and will continue constructive dialogue. He pointed to close ties between top leaders, noting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held six phone calls in 2025 and another in January 2026, reflecting stable political dialogue despite global turmoil.
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