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Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for the creation of an “independent, sovereign Palestinian state” and accused Israel of forcefully taking “native Palestinian” lands. Putin made this statement during the “Russian Energy Week” international forum in Moscow, marking a significant shift in Russia’s long-standing policy of playing both sides – Israel and the Palestinians – while favoring the Jewish state. Let’s explore why Putin has chosen to align with the Hamas terrorist organization, responsible for a major terror attack on Jews since the Holocaust.
Since assuming the presidency in 2000, Putin has greatly improved the Russian-Israeli relationship. After years of hostility between the USSR and Israel, Putin became the first Kremlin leader to visit Israel in 2005. He went on to endorse the construction of a massive $60 million Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, personally donating a month’s salary towards it. The museum, opened in Moscow in 2012, acknowledges Russia’s and the USSR’s history of antisemitism and recognizes the contributions of Jews to Soviet life.
Putin’s positive attitude towards Jewish people can be traced back to his childhood, where he received affection from an old religious Jewish couple with whom his family shared an apartment in St. Petersburg. Additionally, Putin likely saw the 1.2 million Russian and former Soviet immigrants living in Israel as a valuable resource that could contribute to Russia’s struggling demographics, adding educated human capital to the country.
Furthermore, Putin recognized an opportunity to influence the politics of Israel, which is home to the world’s largest population of Jews from the former Soviet Union. The Russian-speaking Jewish immigrants and their descendants have become a significant secular nationalist political block, supporting the right-wing rule of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu, in turn, views the Russian émigré population as crucial to his political success and survival.
The personal relationship between Putin and Netanyahu, both pragmatic leaders, solidified the Russian-Israeli relationship. They share the belief that Islamic extremism is a common enemy that cannot be compromised with. Israel did not criticize Moscow for its wars in Muslim Chechnya, nor did it oppose Putin’s annexation of Crimea. The two leaders are even expected to speak on the phone soon.
During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israel maintained a neutral stance, refraining from condemning Putin’s invasion and providing only humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This strategic decision aimed to maintain Russia as a significant power broker in the region, vital for managing the Iranian threat. Israel prioritized security coordination with the Russian military and allowed Israeli fighter jets to conduct strikes on Iranian proxies in Syria.
However, Putin’s calculus seems to have changed after the rift between Russia and Tel Aviv caused by the Biden administration. Under pressure from the US, Israel authorized the supply of military hardware to Ukraine, despite Russian threats and warnings. Putin likely sees Russia’s break with the West as permanent and now aims to align with China and Arab nations, most of which are supportive of the Palestinians and critical of Israel.
The Arab nations share cultural similarities with Russia and govern their nations with an authoritarian style similar to Moscow’s, making them more inclined to align with Putin. Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit visited Moscow for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Sudani called on Putin to help broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
It’s important to note that Russia has a history of aligning itself with terrorists. During the 1970s, the USSR supported left-wing terror groups as part of its statecraft strategy to counterbalance the West’s power. They provided funding, military training, and assistance to groups targeting Israel. Putin’s mentor, Yevgeniy Primakov, who headed Soviet Foreign Intelligence, had friendly relations with Palestinian leaders, including Mahmoud Abbas.
By aligning with terrorists, Putin positions Russia as a major power broker in the Middle East and possibly globally. He blames the US for creating conditions leading to the Israel-Hamas conflict and sees Russia’s mission as building a new world. Arab nations, culturally closer to Russia and with similar governing styles, appear to be aligning with Putin.
With Israel fighting for its survival, the Biden administration must engage in strategic thinking to counter Putin’s influence and protect its interests in the region.
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