Russia’s anti-Israel policy offers easy rewards but comes with a high price tag. By aligning with Israel’s enemies, Moscow opened itself up to damaging consequences in the Middle East, according to a new report by the INSS think tank.
The Israeli case presents a unique challenge for Moscow, says Russia expert Georgy Poroskoun.
On the one hand, Israel is seen as part of the Western bloc, making it a convenient target for Russia. By criticizing Israel and supporting its rivals, Moscow earns credit with Middle Eastern states and anti-Western forces.
However, Israel’s ability to harm Russian interests, mostly through military means, makes Moscow’s anti-Israel policy a risky choice.
By aligning with Israel’s foes, Russia paid an increasingly steep price once Israel escalated its military action in the past year. With Hezbollah crushed and the Assad regime down, Moscow’s core interests are now threatened including its Syrian bases and Iran’s stability as a reliable supplier.
Russia is sensitive to the potential damage Israel can cause and is willing to modify its behavior to minimize the risks, the report says, arguing that Jerusalem should take advantage of this.
An earlier analysis by Poroskoun asserted that Israel should rethink its entire Russia strategy following the decline in Moscow’s regional status.
However, recent reports suggest that PM Netanyahu is attempting to strengthen ties with Russia at this time. Israel is reportedly supporting Moscow’s efforts to keep its bases in Syria, in exchange for Russian support for steps to curb Iran’s nuclear program.