Russia Nears Transfer of Jerusalem's Alexander Courtyard Ownership Amid Israeli Caution

The Russian Embassy in Israel announced that the process to re-register ownership rights of the historic Alexander Courtyard complex in Jerusalem is nearing completion. The final step awaits the protocol from an Israeli interministerial committee hearing held at the end of 2025. However, the Israeli Embassy in Moscow stated that the issue is still under professional review and it is too early to set concrete timelines.

The Alexander Courtyard, covering 1,300 square meters near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and including the Alexander Nevsky Church inaugurated in 1896, was purchased in the 19th century by Tsar Alexander II. Since 1890, it has been de facto controlled by the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IOPS). The legal and political dispute over ownership began after the 1917 Russian Revolution. In 2020, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a decree recognizing the site as a holy place, a move previously linked in foreign reports to the release of Naama Issachar from Russian detention following Netanyahu's intervention.

In recent years, the matter has resurfaced in talks between Moscow and Jerusalem and has been a focus of personal appeals by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Israeli prime ministers. At the end of 2024, Netanyahu reactivated a ministerial team, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, to examine returning ownership to the Russian Federation. The issue is managed by Israel's National Security Council and Prime Minister's Office and has featured in meetings of current Mossad chief Roman Gofman during his prior role as military secretary.

Analysts note that for Moscow, regaining control is a significant symbolic, political, and cultural achievement vis-à-vis the West. However, there is concern the process may face delays due to upcoming Israeli Knesset elections. Activists like Alex Tentser warn of extensive public and political criticism if the transfer proceeds.