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The global and regional reality created by the war strengthens Israel and enhances its international and regional standing
Russia’s Iranian drones complicate Israel’s balancing act
Biden: Nuclear 'Armageddon' Risk Highest Since 1962
With the war in Ukraine, some European diplomats and think tanks have started noticing the potential of the Abraham Accords for Europe’s security and energy needs.
Russia’s New Naval Doctrine: A ‘Pivot to Asia’?
Russia and Iran’s growing military and political ties worry Israel
The implications of Russia’s new maritime doctrine for Israel
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.
The lessons Iran has learned from the Russia-Ukraine war
The IRGC officers observe Ukraine's inability to inflict damage behind Russian lines. According to an IRGC official news release, the war in Ukraine highlights the significance of missiles for Iran because they can create what is referred to as a "balance of terror" and force the enemy to the negotiating table. The military purpose of the IRGC's nuclear program is no longer a secret. They cite Ukraine's decision to give up its nuclear weapons under US supervision as evidence that Iran must maintain its nuclear deterrent.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is distracting the US from the Chinese threat and erodes the nuclear taboo.
'Realists' were wrong on Russia and they are wrong on Palestine - opinion
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.
On the trilateral Turkish, Iranian, Russian Summit in Tehran
Ukrainian Forces Withdrawing from Severodonetsk
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.
Russia using Israel to distract world from Ukraine, analysts say
Russia Is Using Israel To Distract World From Ukraine, Analysts Say
During Biden's upcoming visit, he plans to form a regional defense alliance at a regional conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The coalition will include the United States, Israel, and a host of Arab countries, including Gulf states, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. In this sense, Biden continues Trump's policy of the Abraham Accords.
It’s All About Resilience: The Role of Public Opinion in the War in Ukraine
What Israel, Other Military Powers Can Learn From the Russo-Ukrainian War
The gaps between Western and non-Western US allies on the Ukraine war
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.
Interview on Russian Foreign Minister’s anti-Semitic comment
Alexander Grinberg On Mariupol
The Implications of the Ukraine War for Israel
Biden accuses Putin of Committing Genocide in Ukraine
Russia-Ukraine war: Conflict boosts hopes for East Mediterranean energy, experts say
The war in Ukraine
A network of personalities and organizations in Russia can be said to be directly or indirectly promoting the interests of Iran in Russia in various fields. However, Russia and Iran are not allies and treat each other with considerable suspicion. This is a constraint for the Iranian lobbying effort.
For Israel, this is evidence that its self-reliance doctrine must be nourished with no illusions about foreign support in times of crisis. Moreover, Turkey probably sees NATO more positively since it borders Russia, pushing Ankara toward the West.
China’s Ukraine Calculus
Biden calls Ukraine war ’strategic failure’ for Russia
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparks fierce debate in China
History has no right side and it does not evolve according to moral imperatives.
Ukraine’s President Suggests Jerusalem as Site for Cease-fire Talks
Prof. Efraim Inbar interviewed in the leading Russian foreign policy TV program
Interview on the War in Ukraine
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Israel Blocks Sale to Kyiv to Avoid Angering Moscow
Ukraine Seeks Meeting With Russia in Next 48 Hours
EU reluctantly getting tougher with Putin
The EU is reluctantly getting tougher with Putin
The Ukraine standoff as a harbinger of broader shifts in the global order
Europeans surely remember what happens when you let an autocrat get away with grabbing territories hoping that the last bite will be the last one.
Jerusalem maintains delicate balancing act over Russia-Ukraine tensionsJNS quotes Daniel Rakov from JISS Zoom conference on Ukraine situation
Understanding the Russia-Iran-Israel Triangle
US Failure on Ukraine Could Lead to a Conflagration in the Middle East, Asia
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.
US failure on Ukraine could lead to a conflagration in the Middle East, Asia
Macron in Moscow to Try to Ease Tensions with Ukraine
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.
Recording of the Zoom Conference that took place February 7, 2022
U.S.: Russian invasion could kill up to 50,000
Ukraine crisis: ‘Putin feels perhaps that Biden is weak’
Daniel Rakov interviewed on the Jewanced podcast
Such a scenario would give the US a leg up against China’s totalitarianism and expansionist aims, and bridge the age-old schism with Russia.
Russia or the West: Which should Jerusalem choose? Lt. Colonel (res.) Daniel Rakov Media 06.01.2022 Israel Russia relations
Russia or the West: Which Should Jerusalem Choose?
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.
Interview with Olivier Rafowicz on Russian involvement in Syria
Putin will maintain ties with Israel, as well as its enemiesInterview with Prof. Efraim Inbar
Realpolitik should guide Israeli-Russian relationsProf. Efraim Inbar's JISS article reprinted in The Jerusalem Post
Realpolitik should guide Israeli-Russian relationsProf. Efraim Inbar's JISS article reprinted at JNS
When Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett this week meets Russian President Putin for the first time, Bennett must use a realpolitik language.
In the southwest, the outside powers of relevance are Iran and Russia. The arrangement in place from July 2018 until now was the product of an uneasy standoff between them.
On Israel-Russia relationsInterview with Dr. Emmanuel Navon
Israel faces Russia policy change, or perhaps political posturing, regarding Syria Micky Aharonson: There is no argument in Israel that it must continue to operate against Iranian military entrenchment in Syria, but perhaps it needs to be more sensitive in terms of timing and in terms of frequency of its operations.
Has Russian Policy Changed Regarding Israeli Targeting of Iranian Bases in Syria? Interview with Micky Aharonson
A flurry of Middle East-related Russian diplomatic activity is noteworthy because it reflects Moscow’s multi-faceted approach to the region.
As Israel and Syria concluded a deal on the return of an Israeli woman from Syria, questions arise regarding the cost and what the future of such transactions with Russian mediation should be.
Why can’t Netanyahu free Israelis from Gaza as easily as from Syria?Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman: Russian President Putin has strong relationships with both Netanyahu and Syrian President Assad, whereas Hamas has unrealistic demands.
Israel should (silently) support a more flexible US policy towards the Syrian regime and the Russian presence in Syria, including the easing of sanctions on Syria, in order to decrease Assad’s dependence on Iranian support and to heighten the conflicts of interest between Moscow and Tehran.
The Abraham Accords and beyondProf. Efraim Inbar: It would be a strategic nightmare if Turkey joins an axis with Russia, Iran and China. Only a Turkey linked to the West can refrain from going nuclear.
Experts predict what Israel can expect from new administrationA conference held by JISS and B’nai B’rith International looked at the likely foreign policy priorities of the Biden administration, ranging from COVID-19 to climate change and Iran.
Putin’s strategy in Israel, Iran and SyriaMs. Micky Aharonson explains how Israel maneuvers between Washington and Moscow, and what she expects from the Biden administration regarding Russia policy. (Al Monitor podcast, 09.12.2020)
The efforts of Moscow to assert itself as a power in the eastern Mediterranean should sound a cautionary note.
Experts believe Israel unlikely to drop lucrative arms sales to AzerbaijanProf. Efraim Inbar: Israel will honor its contracts with Azerbaijan. What they do is not our responsibility.
Israel should reject any overtures from the Assad government, and help keep “maximum pressure” on the regime.
A four-way contest under way between the Assad regime, Russian interests, Iranian interests, and unreconciled former rebels.
Since 2014, Sisi and Putin have brought Egyptian and Russian interests into closer alignment. While Egypt wants to maintain its strategic relationship with the US, it desires to diversify its sources of support. It is in Israel's interest that America maintains its influence in Egypt, and that the common Egyptian and Russian effort in Libya will prevail over Turkey's influence.
Russia’s desire to woo Turkey from the West likely to prevent all-out war.
Prospects of a wide-scale Russia-Turkey conflict. Interview with Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman
Israel, Russia play delicate balancing act in maintaining tricky relationship. Dr. Emmanuel Navon: Ultimately, for Putin, it is not a bad thing that Israel is limiting Iranian presence in Syria.
Despite Syrian-Turkish clashes this week, Moscow is set to remain the key arbiter in Syria.
Long live the Tsar. An interview with Miki Aharonon about Putin’s visit to Israel.
Meeting with Assad sent clear messages to the countries of the region.
Moscow’s trouble with Israelis has a deeper meaning. Micky Aharonson: The Naama Issachar case is “surrounded by so many other things, such as the growing anger of the Russian military and security establishment towards Israel.”
It would undoubtedly serve Israel's interest for Russia to draw closer to the US on a wide range of issues, and above all, on Iran.
Syria remains the main point of contention between the two countries.
Will the loaded, long-distance relationship between Russia and Israel last? Micky Aharonson: “There is a positive tone in the discussions, but it is disconnected from Russia’s strategic decisions, which are based on Russian interests.”
How worried should we be that Russia might have an Israeli missile? Not very, says expert. Founder and former head of the Homa Directorate in the Defense Ministry Dr. Uzi Rubin, says Israel must take into account that what goes up, must come down – sometimes, over the border.
Putin, hackers, and cannabis: The bizarre story of an Israeli-American jailed in Russia. Prof. Inbar: I am not sure this case has a geopolitical angle.
The U.S. withdrawal makes Russia the new arbiter of everyone’s interests, including Israel’s.
Attacks on Iranian targets in Syria serve Russian interests. Col. Lerman of JISS: Down the road, what the Iranians want to do in Syria and what the Russians want to do in Syria are two totally different things.
Outwardly, Russia is loyal to the idea that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the reason for Middle East unrest. This approach raises the bar on Palestinian demands and makes normal life in the region less likely.
Kremlin says Russia-US-Israel meeting 'very important’. Dr. Eran Lerman, former Deputy NSC head: Meeting is Russian ‘slap’ at Iran.
Venezuela has become flash point between Russia and the US. The way in which America responds to Russian conduct in its backyard will influence Russia's international conduct in the future.
Netanyahu tells Putin Israel will continue to strike against Iran in Syria. Dr. Jonathan Spyer: Israel needs Russia to remain on the ground, as an arbiter between Turks, Assad and Iran.
The Houthi rebellion in Yemen, with its horrendous consequences for the country's civilian population, is being instigated primarily by Iranian assistance and direction for the rebels, together with Russian growing involvement in the conflict. An end to the fighting therefore depends to a large extent on the willingness of external countries to continue their fomenting of the conflict.
Russia seeks to be more involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by presenting it as critical to the stability of the whole Middle East. But the legitimacy that it accords to Hamas rules out deeper Russian involvement from Israel’s point of view.
So in Israel's election, who are the Russians for? Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman: Nobody should fall off their chair at the thought of a foreign country trying to influence another country’s elections. It happens all the time.
A Fragile Russian-Turkish Cease-fire In Syria’s Idlib. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak of JISS: Turkey is eager to exclude Syria from negotiations because it does not recognize the government of al-Assad and does not want to grant it legitimacy by engaging in talks.
Russia and Israel step back from brink after Syria downs military plane. Dr. Jonathan Spyer: Russia will not stand in the way of Israeli operations to stop Iranian expansion, knowing how existential they are seen in Jerusalem.
Kremlin Chilly to Syrian Condolences for Deadly Plane Downing. General Amidror: It was not our mistake, and we did whatever was needed to prevent any harm to any Russian forces.
Russia Rages at Israel After Syria Downs Russian Plane, Key Israeli Delegation Goes to Moscow. General Amidror: It is very important for Israel to prevent the Iranians from building this independent war machine in Syria and to prevent the Iranians from transferring game-changer weapons systems into the hands of Hezbollah.
Russia is actively promoting international involvement in the reconstruction of Syria as a humanitarian effort aimed at creating the conditions for refugees to return, but in practice this will reinforce the foundations of Assad’s rule and territorial control. The US is in no hurry to respond, but the Russian initiative will not remain unanswered.
The US is failing to appreciate the significance of the leverage points that the Syrian arena provides for Russia. This leverage allows Russia to exact a heavy toll for the measures the US is demanding.
Turkey faces few good options as the Idlib offensive looms.
Syria in Gaza, Without the Russians. Dr. Eran Lerman: The Gaza Strip is a microcosm of what is happening throughout the region - a reflection of the broader conflicts throughout the Middle East.
on the nexus between Syria, Iran, Russia and Israel Dr Jonathan Spyer discusses how the interests of Russia, Iran and Israel are influencing the situation in Syria as the civil war draws to an end.
It's not an Assad victory — it's a frozen conflict.
Don't congratulate the administration on avoiding Russian retaliation. The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains, and the real collision course here is between Israel and Iran.
With global tensions on the rise, Israel could find itself alone, both in the struggle to prevent a nuclear Iran and in trying to contain Iran's actions in Syria.
Ex-Security Official: Israel Seeks to Avoid Russian Interests in Syria. Former NSC head Yaakov Amidror said that Russia "can't complain" if Israel targets Iranians in Syria.
Plot Thickens For Israel In Syria As Russia Outs Military Operation. Prof. Efraim Inbar: When it comes to our national security we are entitled to do what is necessary to uphold it The Media Line, April 9, 2018
In spite of the impressive international front against Russia following the former spy's poisoning in Britain, its activity seems to be limited mainly to rhetoric and diplomatic gestures, which will not achieve Russia's isolation
On Russia’s anti-Trump posturing regarding Iran Comment by Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman, The Media Line, 06.01.2018
A controlled military disentanglement, while bound to afford Putin even greater popularity at home and perhaps rebuild his popular image abroad, by no means implies that he is about to relinquish his growing influence in the Middle East.
Israel’s real interest today is to prevent Jordan from being destabilized by Iran, according to Dr. Eran Lerman.
An interview with Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror about Israel's strategy vs. Russia and Iran in Syria, and about the launch of the institute.
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