The UN’s New York headquarters witnessed tensions not seen in years, a echo of Cold War echoes resurfacing as Western capitals and Moscow spar over the Gaza crisis. At a special session, Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, used the moment to scrutinize Israel’s actions amid the Gaza bombardment, arguing that the Hebrew state has overstepped self-defense and caused a heavy civilian toll. The critique extended to Europe and the United States, framing the Israeli operation as an excessive use of force by an occupying power.
This was not an isolated moment. Vladimir Putin has long pursued a nuanced relationship with Israel’s leadership, a bond built on common ground and shared strategic priorities. Within days of the October 7 strikes, the Russian president offered his perspective, stating that the underlying issues in the Middle East stemmed from Western policies rather than labeling the attackers as terrorists outright. On the seventh, Putin’s response evolved into a wider political calculus rather than an outright condemnation of violence.
Six days later, Putin reached out to Prime Minister Netanyahu to convey condolences for Israeli civilian casualties, even drawing a parallel between Israel’s siege of Gaza and the siege of Leningrad during World War II in a subsequent address. About a week and a half later, a Hamas delegation led by Bassem Naim and Musa Abu Marzouk visited Moscow for discussions with senior officials, a visit that highlighted a different diplomatic ambiance than the confidential meetings held with Western intermediaries in Gulf states.
An analyst cited by EL PERIÓDICO of the Prensa Ibérica group, Milan Czerny, a journalist focused on Middle East intelligence, suggested that Moscow’s posture indicates an eventual realignment. Moscow still views Israel as part of the West, yet its strategy to secure allies in the broader conflict includes courting Israel. However, the analyst noted that a total rupture with the West is unlikely due to shared interests and ongoing frictions. Russia’s military footprint in Syria and Iranian bases adds layers of interdependence that complicate a clean break.
End of equal distance
The Kremlin appears to be narrowing its neutral position in the face of the Gaza crisis. It now views the Palestinian group designated as terrorists by the United States and the European Union through a differently pragmatic lens, even as public opinion at home cues caution. Official Russian representatives have signaled a recalibrated stance, while hundreds of Russian citizens reached out to the Israeli embassy to express solidarity with victims and hostages.
In Israel, perceptions of Russia have shifted noticeably since October 7. Before that day, some Israelis would describe Russia as a country guided by a practical balance of power. The Hamas visit to Moscow a few weeks after the attack was interpreted as Moscow seeking a clearer understanding of how and when to apply force. Czerny portrays the moment as a jolt, one that unsettled Israeli elites and citizens alike. Security officials have started to link Russia with Hamas and Hezbollah in a way that signals a significant shift in regional politics. The sense among many is that Russia might align more closely with Iran than with former Western partners.
While concrete steps have yet to be announced, the optics suggest a tangible shift in Russia’s influence on the crisis. Reports hint at Moscow offering relatively easier access for Hamas leadership, including hotel accommodations, offices, and banking channels, as part of a broader interaction with the Islamist movement. Some observers compare this engagement to Moscow’s longstanding ties with the Assad regime in Syria, which has faced widespread international isolation for years, and see parallels in how Moscow leverages regional leverage to shape outcomes.
Practical signs of a changing dynamic are already visible in daily policy and diplomacy. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov acknowledged a reduced cadence of coordination when Israel targets Iranian forces in Syria. Additionally, since mid-November, several major Israeli banks reportedly restricted account access for Russian citizens in line with European Union sanctions. Analysts caution that statements from Netanyahu’s aides suggesting a shift in weapons policy toward Ukraine are unlikely to materialize quickly, noting internal political constraints within the Likud party and shifting domestic dynamics.