Israeli Opinion| Israeli success against Hamas could harm Moscow's interests in the region

By Shai Har-Zvi

Since the first days of the war, Russia has sided with Hamas, refraining from categorically condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas in its “terrorist” attack.

On the other hand, Russia accuses Israel of a disproportionate response, leading to massive destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and claims that the United States is responsible for fueling the violence. Russia also submitted a proposal for a resolution to the Security Council regarding a ceasefire, and used its veto against the American proposal calling for condemning “Hamas” and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.

Russian support for Hamas was demonstrated by receiving a high-level delegation of the movement, using a widespread disinformation campaign on social media, and also using artificial intelligence and robots to spread propaganda messages, all of this, amid a noticeable escalation in manifestations of anti-Semitism in Russia, and accusations of Jews. With dual loyalty and their preference for Israel's interests over Russia's interests.

In the background of all this, the strategic axis between Russia and Iran, which arose against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, has strengthened, and the level of military, intelligence and technological cooperation between the two countries has increased. This is highlighted by Russia's provision of Iranian attack drones, a step that doubles the Russian army's ability to operate in Ukraine.

Russia's behavior, both practically and theoretically, reflects the deterioration of the system of bilateral relations between Russia and Israel in recent years, including since Netanyahu's return to his position as prime minister. This matter clearly stands out in light of the close relations that linked Putin and Netanyahu in the past until the Russian war on Ukraine. Moreover, in Russia's view, the war between Israel and Hamas goes beyond Gaza's borders and takes on regional, and even international, importance.

In Russia's opinion, the United States' widespread political and military support for Israel, as well as President Biden's words regarding the great importance of the success of Israel and Ukraine in their war against Hamas and Russia for American national security, confirm the fact that what is happening is another aspect of the confrontation with the United States. United. In line with this view, destabilizing regional stability and directing the attention of the United States and European countries to the Middle East are in Moscow's interest.

Moreover, in Russia's view, the massive military assistance provided by America to Israel could harm the volumes of assistance provided to Ukraine, especially in light of reports in recent months about the United States facing difficulties in meeting the needs of the Ukrainian army due to the latter's extensive use. For weapons.

In Moscow's eyes, Israel's success in eliminating Hamas' military capabilities will constitute a painful blow to the Iranian-led axis, and will have repercussions on Russia's position in the region.

In fact, for Russia, what is happening is a "zero-sum" game. An Israeli success means an American success, and in Russia's view, it could lead to improving the United States' position in the Middle East and paving the way for a major deal between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

These developments could harm Russia's direct interests in general, and in the Middle East in particular. For example, Saudi Arabia's willingness to contribute to lowering oil prices by increasing production - a step that Saudi Arabia has refrained from doing in the past two years, despite repeated requests from the United States, which could harm the incomes of Russia, which is one of the largest oil suppliers in the world. .

The point of all of this is that Israel must turn the tide on its relationship with Russia, and deal with it as an adversary, working openly and indirectly to obstruct its efforts to destroy Hamas. Accordingly, Israel must unify its position with the Western position, and stand clearly and unequivocally with the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, in its statements and actions.

The first symbolic step of importance in this context is to allow President Zelensky to visit Israel. This visit is important in terms of awareness, especially in light of reports that Israel rejected his request to visit Israel in the first days of the war, and the fact that Netanyahu refrained from visiting Ukraine in the past year, unlike many leaders of Western countries.