Russia Intensifies Pressure on Israel Over Ownership of Alexander Courtyard in Jerusalem
Russia is escalating its efforts to assert ownership over the Alexander Courtyard, a historic Russian property in Jerusalem's Old City. On Saturday, Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov made an unusual visit to the site accompanied by a large delegation of Russian nuns, family members, and embassy staff. This visit came shortly after the Russian embassy announced that the legal process to transfer ownership rights of the courtyard to the Russian Federation is in its final stages, currently pending only legal formalities.
Ambassador Viktorov emphasized in a recent interview that the courtyard "belongs to Russia" and that no negotiations are necessary, only the completion of legal procedures. Israeli officials, however, maintain that the matter is still under professional review and caution against interpreting the ambassador's visit as confirmation of a finalized decision. Sources familiar with the issue suggest Russia is applying political and public pressure to create a sense of inevitability, especially given the current political window in Israel before upcoming elections.
The Alexander Courtyard covers approximately 1,300 square meters near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and includes the Alexander Nevsky Church, built in 1896. The land was purchased during the Russian Empire era, but ownership has been disputed since the Russian Revolution. Moscow claims that the Ottoman-era registration grants Russia ownership, while the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IOPS), which originally established the site, contests this.
The dispute has political and symbolic significance. In 2020, under Prime Minister Netanyahu, the site was declared a "holy place," and efforts to register it under Russia stalled due to legal challenges. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally appealed to then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in 2022 to facilitate the transfer. A ministerial team led by Netanyahu resumed the issue in late 2024, with participation from Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Justice Minister Yariv Levin.
A recent study by the Institute for National Security Studies highlighted the close ties between the Russian Orthodox Church, the Kremlin, and Russian security services, warning that transferring the courtyard could strengthen Russia’s foothold in Jerusalem. The study also noted the potential for future Russian claims on other historic properties. The courtyard has also been linked to diplomatic negotiations, including the 2020 release of Israeli Naama Issachar from Russia, with reports suggesting the property transfer was discussed during those talks.
While Israel has not made a formal decision to transfer ownership, Russia’s public actions and inquiries to the Ukrainian nuns currently managing the site suggest Moscow views the transfer as imminent. The issue remains a sensitive and complex diplomatic challenge amid broader geopolitical tensions.
