- October 5, 2024
- 1:15 am
- Middle East
The Kremlin seeks to use the conflict in the Middle East to strengthen its geopolitical ambitions by creating and promoting alternative international structures, such as a “Eurasian security architecture” where Russia would dominate. This points to Russia's attempts to assert its role as a global leader in regions where it could undermine Western influence and weaken US allies.
Thus, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov condemned the actions of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, arguing that Moscow is against “Israeli political murders.” The move demonstrates the Kremlin's overt anti-Israel stance, which strengthens its ties with Arab countries, particularly Lebanon and Iran, which have anti-Israel sentiments.
Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which correlates with Moscow's attempts to present itself as a peacemaker in this conflict while simultaneously supporting parties that oppose Israel.
According to the publication Institute for the Study of War,
“The Kremlin may be seeking to use the conflict in the Middle East to promote various Russian-dominated international structures, including those associated with the creation of an alternative “Eurasian security architecture.”
These actions include support for the Palestinian Authority on international platforms such as the BRICS summit, which will be attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
As for Ukraine, Russia's dual policy can be seen here. On the one hand, it works closely with Iran, which is supplying drones for the war against Ukraine. These same forces are putting pressure on Israel, which is also confronting Iranian armed groups in the region. On the other hand, Russia is trying to take advantage of the diversion of world attention to the Middle East to continue its military operations on the Ukrainian front without significant interference from the international community.
Israel finds itself in a difficult geopolitical situation, facing threats on multiple fronts. On the one hand, Russia is strengthening its relations with Iran, Israel's main enemy, and other anti-Israeli forces in the region, which creates additional tension. On the other hand, Israel must maintain cooperation with the United States and the West, which support Ukraine in the war against Russia.
In such a situation, Israel should follow several strategies:
- Maintain balance: Israel must maintain a diplomatic balance without exacerbating relations with Russia, especially given Moscow's role in Syria, where the presence of Russian troops has an impact on the security of Israel's borders. At the same time, Israel must strengthen its relations with the West, especially the United States, which provides significant support in the form of military assistance and diplomatic pressure.
- Strengthen alliances: Israel could step up cooperation with regional allies such as Egypt and Jordan, as well as seek new partners among Gulf states that also face the Iranian threat.
- Continue your military strategy: In the context of the intensification of anti-Israeli forces in the Middle East, it is important for Israel to maintain a high level of defense readiness. This includes both developing its own defense technologies and purchasing weapons from the United States, in particular to strengthen missile defense systems such as Iron Dome and David's Sling.
- Interact with Ukraine: Israel can continue careful cooperation with Ukraine, for example in the area of sharing expertise in cybersecurity and intelligence, without disrupting relations with Russia. At the same time, it is important that any Israeli steps do not jeopardize its security in the Middle East.
Overall, the situation requires Israel to take a multi-layered approach, with diplomacy, military preparedness and alliances playing key roles in protecting its national interests.
