סגן אלוף (מיל') דניאל ראקוב

Expert on Russia

Email: drakov@jiss.org.il

Daniel Rakov is an expert on Russian policy in the Middle East and great-power competition in the region. He had served in the IDF for more than 20 years, mainly in the Israeli Defense Intelligence (Aman). In 2019-2021 he was a research fellow at the Russian Studies Program in the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).

Twitter: @rakovdan

Policy Papers

Flags of Russia, Israel, Palestinian Authority

The war in Gaza: a Nadir in Russian-Israeli Relations

Russia’s hostile stance in the war against Hamas strengthens Israel’s affiliation with the Western camp. Israel should refrain from public criticism of Moscow.

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

COMMENTS ON THE WAR IN GAZA Policy Papers 22.10.2023

Russia’s Power Image After Prigozhin’s Uprising

The Kremlin quickly suppressed the mutiny of Yevgeny Prigozhin, which might prove of great importance for the stability of Putin’s regime. It further undermined Moscow’s efforts to position itself as a global power, though it did not affect the fighting between Russia and Ukraine. Russia will remain an essential player in the Middle East (vital for its economy following the war). Still, the rebellion will strengthen the bargaining power of the region’s countries, including Israel, vis-à-vis Moscow.

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Policy Papers 18.07.2023

Russia Ukraine

July 31, 2022, St Petersburgh, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin, signs a decree on Naval Doctrine

Russia’s New Maritime Doctrine Focuses on the Arctic and Asia, with the Middle East a Top Priorities

Due to the importance of oil prices for Russia, Israel may utilize its leverage to prevent Russia from allying with Iran by exerting pressure on the Kremlin through the Sunni Gulf monarchies.

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Policy Papers 14.09.2022

Russia

Russia’s threat against the Jewish Agency is a Bargaining Measure

Israel should prepare for a prolonged crisis. The Russians might want to delay or accelerate the legal process to exploit the elections period. The verdict will not constitute the final word. The government is advised to navigate the crisis behind the scenes: publicity might accelerate escalation.

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Policy Papers 26.07.2022

Israel - Russia relations Russia

Israel, China, Russia balance illustration

A New Global Order? Israel’s Relations with China and Russia in Light of the War in Ukraine

Despite their mutual support throughout the first hundred days of the war, Russia and China continue to have competing interests. Whereas Israel needs to be more responsive to Washington's concerns about its two global competitors, it must also be mindful of populist calls to destabilize relations with Moscow and Beijing.

Mr. Tuvia Gering , Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Policy Papers 22.06.2022

China Russia

Israel Must Adjust its Ukraine Policy

The difficulties of the Russian military on the battlefield increase the possibility that in the coming weeks, Moscow will expand the fighting as part of preparations for a long-term military campaign.

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Policy Papers 10.05.2022

Russia

Understanding the Russia-Iran-Israel Triangle

As Tehran invests efforts to improve relations with Russia, Israel will have to maintain a dialogue with Moscow to safeguard its military and diplomatic freedom of action.

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Policy Papers 09.02.2022

Iran

The Ukraine Standoff as a Harbinger of Broader Shifts in the Global Order

Global powers might find it more challenging to reach a consensus on the Middle East than before. This makes it more critical for Israel to get separate understandings or develop new partnerships both globally and regionally.

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Policy Papers 08.02.2022

Russia

Russia or the West – Which Should Jerusalem Choose?

The Israeli government has not publicly expressed a position regarding the gathering of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border. Still, a renewed war between Russia and Ukraine could make it challenging to choose between its commitment to its Western allies and its important relationship with Russia.

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Policy Papers 30.12.2021

Israel - Russia relations

Commentary

Reader’s Response: Russia is a Marginal Player in the Gaza War

The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune | 2.11.2023 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

The Netanyahu Government’s Approach to Russia and Ukraine

Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Israel’s Russia-Ukraine dilemma

Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council | 2.3.2023 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

The Reasoning Behind Israel’s Refusal to Supply Weapons to Ukraine

Jerusalem Strategic Tribune | 27.11.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov , Dr. Pnina Shuker

Russia’s New Naval Doctrine: A ‘Pivot to Asia’?

The Diplomat | 19.08.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Russia and Iran’s growing military and political ties worry Israel

JNS | 20.09.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

The implications of Russia’s new maritime doctrine for Israel

JNS | 20.09.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Russia’s threat against the Jewish Agency is a Bargaining Measure

The Algemeiner | 27.07.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Russia’s threat against the Jewish Agency is a Bargaining Measure

JNS | 27.07.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

From Ukraine with Angst: The Dilemmas Confronting America's Middle East Allies

European Leadership Network | 25.02.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

The Ukraine standoff as a harbinger of broader shifts in the global order

JNS | 13.02.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Jerusalem maintains delicate balancing act over Russia-Ukraine tensions
JNS quotes Daniel Rakov from JISS Zoom conference on Ukraine situation

JNS | 10.02.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Understanding the Russia-Iran-Israel Triangle

JNS | 10.02.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Daniel Rakov interviewed on the Jewanced podcast

Jewanced podcast | 17.01.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

Russia or the West: Which should Jerusalem choose?

Israel Hayom | 05.01.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

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Russia or the West: Which Should Jerusalem Choose?

Algemeiner | 03.01.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

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Russia or the West: Which should Jerusalem choose?

Detaly | 01.01.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

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Russia or the West: Which should Jerusalem choose?

Arutz 7 | 03.01.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

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Russia or the West: Which should Jerusalem choose?

JNS | 03.01.2022 | Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov

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