Cancellation of neutral position in Ukraine
How author Although the Israeli Hayome crackdown did not specify the reasons for closing the offices of the Moscow Sokhnut agency, Israeli officials believe this was due to the country’s stance against the special operation in Ukraine. Officials are confident that it is necessary to develop a communication tactic with Russia that provides both “sticks” and “carrots”.
Members of the Israeli delegation, who were supposed to fly to Moscow on Saturday to try to persuade Russian authorities to stop acting against the Sokhnut agency, were unable to travel because Russia did not approve their visas, a source told Israel Hayome.
While Lapid, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is expected to evaluate and decide on a series of possible measures in the coming days, Israel is expected to approach cautiously.
Former ambassador to Russia and Ukraine, Zvi Magen, told Israel Hayome that Jerusalem has several options to put pressure on Moscow.
“Israel can change its de facto neutral position regarding the war in Ukraine. Of course this could have negative consequences on the Russian side, but it’s still an option. “Israel can also participate in Western sanctions against Russia, of which it is not currently a part,” he said.
In an interview with socialbites.ca, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Federation Council Vladimir Dzhabarov stated that Russia has always had “very good” relations with Israel, the countries are in close cooperation in the economic and political spheres.
“I think the Israeli prime minister got a little excited. There is no need to speak in a similar tone to Russia. This is not very common for me because Israeli leaders have always found the right tone in their conversations with us. I hope Israel does not follow the path of conflict. “We also know that Israel has not participated in any sanctions against Russia since 2014,” he said.
The senator also hopes that Israel’s “painful response” can be overcome. He urged countries to sit at the negotiating table and resolve all issues related to the Sokhnut agency.
“I think this crisis should not escalate, it should be extinguished from the very beginning. There are such opportunities, both countries have a desire to maintain close interaction and cooperation in areas that benefit both states,” he said.
Conflict with the Russian Ministry of Justice
The Sokhnut Agency provides return to Israel, assistance to returnees, works with Jewish communities, runs training courses, children’s and youth programs.
On 11 July, the Ministry of Justice said that from 30 May to 27 June, the ministry checked the Sokhnut documents. However, the results of the audit were not disclosed. On July 21, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation demanded the liquidation of the Jewish organization. This was reported to RIA Novosti at the Moscow Basmanny Court. They explained that the allegations of the Ministry of Justice relate to the violation of Russian legislation by Sokhnut during his activities. Evaluation of the request is scheduled for July 28.
Yuri Kanner, head of the Russian Jewish Congress, told RIA Novosti that the purge of Sokhnut could hasten the departure of Jews from Russia because they view such actions as an “unfriendly manifestation” against Israel.
“I believe this is a serious misunderstanding of Sokhnut’s role. Kanner said that there is practically no such country in the world where Jews live and “Sohnut” does not work.
In contrast, Eli Gervits, member of the RJC public council, told the agency that after February 24, the number of applications for repatriation from Russia to Israel increased 25 times, more than 10,000 people already. remained during this time. He believes that the situation around “Sohnut” is unlikely to affect the flow.
On Saturday, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing sources, that Sokhnut had developed a secret plan to move his Moscow office to Israel.
On the same day, Prime Minister Lapid declarationHe said that relations with Russia are important to Israel and that closing the offices of the Sokhnut agency would be a serious event and would affect interaction with Moscow.
He also instructed a delegation of lawyers to be ready to go to Moscow as soon as Russia has approved the talks and “make every effort” to resolve the issue.