Russia and the New Middle East - the last 20 years, inching toward a Grand Bargain
| Date | 15 March 2021 |
| Published date | 15 March 2021 |
| Author | Ted Belman & Alex Maistrovoy |
| Publication title | Israel National News (Israel) |
The relationship between Israel and Russia saw little improvement in the first two decades following the fall of the Iron Curtain and the USSR. though there were signs of better days ahead.
Pro-Israel Vladimir Putin was elected in 2001 as was the more pro-Russian Ariel Sharon, who described Putin as "a true friend of Israel".
In 2006, Vladimir Zhirinovsky visiting as part of a government delegation said that "Russia will never allow any kind of violence against Israel".
1.Israel – Russia relations
In 2011, Putin said: "Israel is, in fact, a special state to us. It is practically a Russian-speaking country. Israel is one of the few foreign countries that can be called Russian-speaking. .[27] Putin additionally claimed that Israel could be considered part of the Russian cultural world, and contended that "songs which are considered to be national Israeli songs in Israel are in fact Russian national songs". He further stated that he regarded Russian-speaking Israeli citizens as his compatriots and part of the 'Russian world'.
In April 2014, Israel took a neutral stance on the Russian annexation of Crimea at the United Nations, angering U.S. State Department and White House officials. During Operation Protective Edge in 2014, Putin stated that "I support Israel's battle that is intended to keep its citizens protected".
Relations between Israel and Russia further improved after the Russian military intervention in Syria in September 2015. In October 2015, Israel and Russia held meetings to coordinate over Syria, and avoid accidentally clashing or scrambling each other's communications while operating over the country.
In March 2016, Putin said the relations with Israel were special and based "on friendship, mutual understanding and the long common history". Putin stated: "Russia and Israel have developed a special relationship. 1.5 million Israeli citizens come from the former Soviet Union, they speak the Russian language, are the bearers of Russian culture, Russian mentality. They maintain relations with their relatives and friends in Russia, and this make the interstate relations very special". In a meeting with Netanyahu in June 2016, Putin described Israel and Russia as "unconditional allies" in "efforts to counter international terrorism".
Yisrael Beyteinu, the Israeli political party which best represents the interests and concerns of Russian Israelis, is led by an...
To continue reading
Request your trial