The newest INSS report examines the complex relationship between Israel and Russia alongside recent efforts for increased cooperation between the two countries. Russia, and previously the U.S.S.R., always sought a prominent role in the Middle East, at times forging alliances with Arab countries to counteract the U.S.-Israel relationship. Further, as Russia attempts to regain its stature as a world leader, the country’s leaders simultaneously seek a function in the resumption of the Arab-Israeli peace process while also supplying some of Israel’s enemies with munitions, such as anti-aircraft systems. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu recently undertook a secret trip to Russia, reportedly to discuss the cessation or Russian arms sales to Iran and Syria. Further, Israeli President Shimon Peres met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev last month. In subsequent interviews, Medvedev claimed that Peres ruled out an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Peres, however, disputed the charge, insisting that Medvedev misunderstood.
See excerpts from the article below:
“In addition to Russia’s interest in becoming actively involved in the Middle East peace process, recent Russian-Israeli contacts suggest the possibility of a Russian initiative in formulating new operational proposals for this process or even a more far-reaching possibility, such as the attempt to mediate between Israel and one of Russia’s radical partners in theMiddle East. If so, this could augur a real breakthrough in Middle East affairs, or at least a positive Russian effort to find ways to exit the Middle East quagmire.”….
“At the same time, however, Russia is careful to continue developing its positive relations with the opposite camp: its sweeping support for Iran continues, even though at least superficially it seems that there is cooperation with the international community to stop the Iranian nuclear program. Its sweeping support for Syria also continues, and it is also clear that Russia is making significant efforts to exert its influence vis-à-vis the Palestinians.”….
“Given the changing international reality, it appears that Israel too is more ready to examine new proposals. For Israel, Russia was and still is an important country, both in the international context and bilaterally. It is inIsrael’s interest to generate changes in Russia’s current policy, based as it is on sweeping support for Israel’s enemies, and to encourage Russia to work towards finding a foundation for positive international cooperation in the Middle East.”