Tag: Putin

Russia-Israel tensions have intensified in recent days as Moscow appears primed to force the “dissolution” of Jewish Agency for Israel operations in the country. An Israeli delegation prepared to head to Moscow with a view to resolving the issue is waiting on Russian visas, even as Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid has instructed his government to prepare a series of countermeasures should Russia follow through on its threat.

“The Jewish community in Russia is deeply connected with Israel,” said Lapid in a July 21 meeting with representatives from Israel’s Foreign Ministry and National Security Council. “We will continue to act through diplomatic channels so that the Jewish Agency’s important activity will not cease.”

According to a report by the Russian news agency Interfax, Moscow’s Basmanny District Court received a request from the Russian Justice Ministry to shutter the Jewish Agency. The court was slated to hear the case on July 28.

While Interfax provided no explanation for the move, the Associated Press reported that the Justice Ministry accused the agency of violating privacy laws by collecting the personal information of people interested in immigrating to Israel.

 On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals.” Ezekiel 39:4 NIV

Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad, former head of the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Political Military Bureau, told JNS that Jerusalem should be cautious and avoid issuing harsh statements against Russia that could inflame the situation. For example, Gilad described as “not helpful” Lapid’s warning on Sunday that the closure of the Jewish Agency in Russia could have a “serious impact” on bilateral relations with Moscow.

Read More @ JNS HERE