Russian action against the Jewish Agency would affect Russia-Israel relati

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid warned that relations with Russia are vital for Israel. There is a large Jewish population in Russia, and they are equally important. The Jewish population features in many talks with the Russian government. In this scenario, if Russia ordered the closure of the office of the Jewish agency, it would have severe repercussions on bilateral relations. Last week, Russia ordered the closure of the office of the Jewish agency in Moscow. An intense reaction has been received from Israel against the action and demand is gaining ground that the Lapid government should not show weakness against Russia.

Moreover, tensions are already reigning in Russia-Israel relations, given the Ukraine conflict. Russia had reprimanded Israel over its decision to supply weapons to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had retorted that providing weapons to a leader like Zelensky is like giving weapons to Hitler. A strong reaction had been received from Israel even over this statement. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed regret in this matter. After that, Israel and Russia were involved in a faceoff even over the issue of Israeli airstrikes in Syria. Russia had warned Israel over the airstrikes.

In this scenario, the Russian legal department announced the decision for the closure of the Jewish institution, ‘Jewish Agency for Israel’ situated in the Russian capital Moscow. The Russian government ordered closure till further decision. Reactions were received from all levels in Israel. The Israeli Prime Minister warned that this would affect bilateral relations. Israeli will be sending an independent delegation to discuss this issue. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office demanded that Russia should permit the visit of this delegation.

Natan Sharansky, chief of the Jewish agency, welcomed the stand of Israeli Prime Minister Lapid. Sharansky said that the Israeli Prime Minister must confront Russia more strongly. Whereas Jewish religious preacher Pinchas Goldschmidt, who fled Russia to take asylum in Israel, appealed to the Jewish religious leaders in Russia and the Israeli government. Goldschmidt quoted that the refugees coming from Ukraine since the start of the Ukraine conflict have been granted citizenship by Russia. The Jewish people in Russia contribute to the country and the systems there. These Jewish people should return to Israel and the Lapid government should grant them citizenship. Goldschmidt claimed that this would initiate a ‘Brain Drain’ in Russia.