Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu’s close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have been overshadowed in recent times due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The strained relationship was further intensified when a group of high-ranking Hamas members met with a senior Russian official in Moscow, prompting condemnation from Israel. This unexpected meeting has raised concerns about Russia’s foreign policy, especially its growing proximity to Hamas. Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, experts are analyzing Russia’s motives and potential gains.
Russia’s Strategic Moves in the Aftermath of Hamas’s Attack:
Russia defended its decision to host Hamas members in Moscow, citing the need to maintain ties with both sides in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that these meetings aimed at securing the release of hostages from Gaza. However, Hamas’s description of the meetings tells a different story, as they praised Russia’s efforts to end what they termed “the crimes of Israel supported by the West.” This expression of support from Hamas has deepened Israeli concerns over Russia’s tilt towards the Palestinian militant group.
Hamas’s visit to Moscow has fueled speculation that Russia is readjusting its foreign policy to align with Hamas. There have been reports of Palestinian militants using Russian cryptocurrency exchanges to circumvent Western sanctions. Additionally, Ukraine’s Head of Defense Intelligence claimed that Russia had recently supplied Hamas with arms, though evidence for this allegation is lacking. Notably, Russia has refrained from labeling Hamas’s attacks as terrorism and has called for a ceasefire while reaffirming support for a Palestinian state. A Russian resolution at the United Nations Security Council failed to gather support as it did not explicitly condemn Hamas.
Public Opinion and Russia’s Regional Strategy:
Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President Putin himself, have publicly criticized Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Such statements have portrayed Israel’s actions as infringements on international law and compared Israel’s blockade of Gaza to the siege of Leningrad during World War II. These remarks have raised questions about Russia’s allegiance in the Middle East.
Some experts argue that Russia is attempting to improve its standing in the region by aligning itself with the Arab mainstream. By taking a pro-Palestinian stance, Russia may be seeking to bolster its influence among Arab nations. Additionally, Russia’s response to Hamas’s attacks is seen as reflecting a growing inclination towards closer ties with Tehran and its regional allies, including Hamas. This shift aligns with Russia’s strategic interests and its reliance on Iran as a supplier of weapons.
Potential Gains and Risks for Russia:
Experts believe that Russia sees the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as an opportunity to divert Western attention and support from Ukraine. The hope is that the Middle East unrest will ease pressure on Russia’s territorial control over parts of Ukraine. Notwithstanding, if the conflict expands beyond Israel and Gaza, Russia faces challenges in maintaining its military presence in Syria without further deployment of troops. Heightened support for Hamas could strain Russia’s relationship with Israel, which has refrained from providing military assistance to Ukraine. Balancing these complex dynamics will be critical for Russia to preserve its regional influence.
Russia’s relationship with Hamas has undergone significant shifts following the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Russia defends its engagement with Hamas as a mediation effort and a strategic move, Israel remains concerned about this realignment of foreign policy. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Russia’s delicate balancing act in the Middle East will unfold and what implications it will have for the region’s stability.
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