Russian Ambassador in Israel Highlights Security Ties and Humanitarian Cooperation Amid Regional Challenges

In an interview with Russian TV channel RTVI, Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov discussed his personal acquaintance with Roman Gofman, the newly appointed head of Israel's Mossad. Viktorov emphasized ongoing security cooperation between Russia and Israel, noting that both countries continue to communicate about shared threats. "We have matters to discuss, experience to exchange, and warnings to share," he said.

Viktorov rejected public criticism of Moscow's contacts with Hamas, asserting that Russia has never supported terrorism and that Hamas is not a product of Russian activity. He explained that these contacts have facilitated humanitarian efforts and helped secure the release of hostages holding Russian citizenship. Additionally, he reiterated Russia's support for the establishment of a Palestinian state and predicted that Israel's upcoming elections would not significantly alter bilateral relations.

The ambassador praised Israel's stance of not joining Western sanctions against Russia or supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. On economic and aviation matters, Viktorov expressed hope for the resumption of direct flights between Israel and Russia operated by El Al and Aeroflot. He also assured that Russia would remain a key supplier of grain to Israel.