Israeli Ambassador declares differences with Russia over the conflict in the Middle East

The positions of Russia and Israel differ on various issues, but the countries continue to maintain dialogue, including on the topic of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This was announced by the Ambassador of Israel to the Russian Federation Alexander Ben Zvi, transmits “RIA News”.

“Each of us tries, I think, to present our position to the other side, to explain why we think this way and try to convince them. It doesn’t always work out, but it’s part of the dialogue,” he said.

Ben Zvi noted that Israel has close and frequent contacts with Russia. He added that a few days ago he spoke with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mikhail Bogdanov (he oversees issues of Russia’s relations with the countries of the Middle East and Africa). The Israeli Foreign Ministry is also in close contact with the Russian Ambassador, the diplomat emphasized.

On October 7, Gaza-based Hamas militants attacked Israel. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Iron Swords, and the military regularly strikes the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government announced that the country had entered a state of war. 300,000 reservists were also mobilized.

Russian authorities previously condemned the Hamas attack on Israel, while noting at the same time the inadmissibility of Israeli attacks on civilian targets in Gaza. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Israel was subjected to an unprecedented brutal attack from Hamas and has the right to protection. He expressed hope for the end of the conflict and negotiations between the parties. The president has also repeatedly called for the creation of an independent Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

October 26, official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova reportedthat Hamas representatives are visiting Moscow. During the visit, issues of the release of foreigners from captivity of the group and the evacuation of Russians from the Gaza Strip were discussed, the Foreign Ministry later reported.

Israeli Foreign Ministry named inviting Hamas representatives to Moscow was an “undignified step” and called for their “immediate expulsion” from Russia.