What’s happening:

Russia’s Foreign Ministry will summon Israel’s ambassador to Moscow, Simona Halperin, to discuss remarks she made in a Kommersant daily interview which the Russian authorities have labeled as “unacceptable.”

Why it matters:

The escalating diplomatic tensions between Russia and Israel underscore the complex relationship the two nations share, particularly in light of Halperin’s critical comments on sensitive issues such as the Holocaust’s portrayal by Russian officials and Israel’s concern over Russia’s stance on Hamas.

The Big Picture:

Even though Halperin acknowledged the historic military connection between Russia and Israel, she took issue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s alleged downplaying of the Holocaust and pointed out contradictions in Russia’s foreign policy decisions.

One core point during her diplomatic reproach was Russia’s amicable treatment of Hamas and its tardy response to outrages committed against Israel, actions that she suggests contradict Russia’s expressed strategic interest in Israeli security. These developments have significant weight, with implications potentially shaping international alliances and affecting diaspora relations.

Key comments:

Halperin outlined the unique horror of the Holocaust for Jewish people, noting that such an “extermination of people solely on ethnic grounds” had not been seen in history prior. She articulated concerns over how Russia’s positions and subsequent alignment with adversaries of Israel could erode the traditional support among the Russian-speaking community in Israel.

Between the lines:

The reigning in of the Israeli ambassador speaks to the broader geopolitical chess game, which is currently being influenced by Russia’s positioning in the conflict-ridden Middle East, as well as its alliances as it faces Western opposition due to the invasion of Ukraine. The dialogue between Russia and Israel at this juncture reveals discernible strains, as Russia has leaned towards cooperating with Iran while maintaining its defense of Israel’s right to self-protection — yet simultaneously criticizing Israeli tactics against terror groups such as Hamas.

What to watch:

The summoning of Ambassador Halperin denotes not only a potential rift in Russia-Israel relations, but also a bellwether of how Middle Eastern geopolitics, the agonies of war crimes, the politics of historical memory, and contemporary alliances intertwine on the international stage.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.