Cancellation of neutral position in Ukraine
The situation around the Sokhnut agency has drawn sharp attention from both Israeli and Russian officials. Although the crackdown on the Moscow Sokhnut offices did not come with a stated rationale, Israeli authorities have signaled that the move reflects a broader stance on the war in Ukraine. There is an understanding within Israeli circles that a careful communication tactic toward Russia is needed, using both pressure and incentives to steer cooperation.
An Israeli delegation planned to travel to Moscow on Saturday to press Russian authorities to halt actions against Sokhnut, but visas for the trip were denied by Russia, according to sources in Israel. The delay underscored a cautious approach as executives weigh next steps in a sensitive diplomatic environment.
Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Yair Lapid faces decisions on a range of possible measures in the days ahead. Israel is expected to proceed with vigilance, balancing its relationships with Moscow while considering practical responses to the ongoing tensions.
Former ambassador to Russia and Ukraine Zvi Magen outlined several options available to Jerusalem. He suggested that Israel could adjust its de facto neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine, a move that would carry risks for Moscow but could be justified under strategic considerations. He also noted that Israel could choose to align with Western sanctions against Russia, a step it has not taken so far.
In a separate interview, Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Relations, described the long-standing ties between Russia and Israel as strong in economic and political realms. He cautioned against escalating rhetoric and urged both sides to maintain constructive dialogue.
He commented that Israeli leaders have traditionally found a measured tone in discussions with Russia. While describing the current moment as delicate, he stressed that Israel has not joined sanctions against Russia since 2014 and expressed hope that the relationship would not deteriorate. He also emphasized a desire for a prompt, stable resolution of the Sokhnut issue and urged both nations to sit at the negotiating table to resolve all questions related to the agency.
The rhetoric around the crisis, he added, should not lead to a broader escalation. Both countries reportedly share interest in continued cooperation across areas that benefit both states, and a calm, negotiated outcome is within sight if leadership remains committed to dialogue.
Conflict with the Russian Ministry of Justice
The Sokhnut Agency is known for assisting Jewish returnees to Israel, supporting communities, and running training programs and youth initiatives. On 11 July the Russian Ministry of Justice announced that an audit of Sokhnut documents took place from late May to late June, though the findings were not disclosed. By 21 July the ministry demanded the liquidation of the organization, with officials citing alleged violations of Russian law during Sokhnut’s activities. A decision on the liquidation was scheduled for 28 July in Moscow.
Yuri Kanner, who leads the Russian Jewish Congress, suggested that actions against Sokhnut could accelerate the departure of Jews from Russia, interpreting the moves as unfriendly toward Israel. He argued that Sokhnut plays a vital role across borders, and it is rare to find a country where Jewish communities do not benefit from its services.
Conversely, Eli Gervits, a member of the public council for a major Jewish organization, noted that after early 2024 the number of repatriation applications from Russia to Israel surged significantly, with thousands seeking to relocate. He indicated that the Sokhnut situation would likely have limited impact on the overall repatriation trend.
Reports in the Jerusalem area suggested Sokhnut had been developing a covert plan to relocate its Moscow office to Israel, a development that would mark a dramatic shift in its operations if confirmed. In parallel, Prime Minister Lapid affirmed the importance of Russia-Israel relations and acknowledged that the closure of Sokhnut offices would be a significant event affecting ongoing cooperation with Moscow. He directed a delegation of lawyers be prepared to travel to Moscow once talks gain Russian approval, aiming to resolve the matter through diplomacy and legal channels.