Media: Israel’s Knesset creates “Israel-RF” friendship group – is this a sincere turn toward the Kremlin or a dangerous “game of independence” amid pressure from Europe, the US and Trump?

The parliamentary friendship group between Israel and Russia was actively functioning during various terms of the Knesset until 2022.

With the beginning of the current 25th Knesset, elected in the November 2022 elections, a parliamentary friendship group “Israel–Ukraine” was established, while no such group with Russia existed until now.

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza and increasing international pressure, the Israeli parliament suddenly initiates the formation of a friendship group with the Russian Federation. This was reported by the reputable Ukrainian outlet ZN-UA, citing sources in the Knesset.

According to journalists, the new “Israel–Russia” parliamentary group will be led by Shas party MP Semion Moshiashvili, a lawyer and former member of the Kiryat Ata city council. Moshiashvili’s party represents the interests of ultra-Orthodox Jews and is part of the governing coalition.

As of 2025, the Shas party is part of the ruling coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu and holds 11 seats in the Knesset. Its leader is Aryeh Deri, one of the most influential politicians of the ultra-Orthodox sector. However, internal tensions are growing within the party, as spiritual leaders threaten to exit the coalition due to disputes over the draft exemption for yeshiva students.

Not instead of Ukraine — but against common sense

It’s worth noting that in 2022, the Knesset formed a friendship group with Ukraine, headed by Yuli Edelstein and Zeev Elkin. In February 2023, they visited Kyiv and signed a joint statement in support of Ukraine together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

However, the new initiative to establish a group with Russia appears to be an attempt to restore old pro-Russian ties that existed before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This raises a reasonable question: why in 2025 is Israel signaling a rapprochement with a terrorist state that not only supports Hamas but also funds and arms Iran, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and other forces threatening Israel’s very existence?

Enemies of Israel are allies of Russia

• Russia arms and politically supports Iran, Israel’s top strategic threat.
• It cooperates with Hamas, providing it with international and media cover.
• It actively defends Hezbollah in the UN and other global institutions.
• It systematically votes against Israel in the UN and Human Rights Council.
• It promotes anti-Israel propaganda, accusing Israel of “genocide of Palestinians.”

Establishing an official friendship group with such a country is a slap in the face not only to the democratic world but also to Israeli citizens, who live daily under threat enabled by Moscow.

Israel is not in a position to play with fire

It may seem like this is an attempt by Israeli politicians to demonstrate independence in response to growing Western pressure.

However, Israel is not currently in the geopolitical position to blackmail Washington and Europe with a “pivot to Moscow”.

Amid:

• statements from Canada, France, and the UK about possible sanctions,
• threats from Trump’s circle to “abandon Israel” if the war is not stopped,
• tightening UN and EU stances regarding the Gaza blockade,

any move toward Russia looks like a deliberate confrontation with allies and a loss of moral authority.

What do Israeli citizens of Ukrainian descent think?

According to NAnews – Israel News, among Jews with roots in Ukraine, this decision has caused anger and pain. Many lost relatives in Bucha, Mariupol, and Kharkiv. For them, a friendship with Russia is a betrayal of historical memory, solidarity, and the very idea of justice.

NAnews: We must remember who we build the future with

Israel is at a crossroads — continue as a democratic nation aligned with the West or enter toxic alliances with dictatorships.

Friendship with Russia is not just a political act, it is a signal to the world: Israel is willing to ignore Bucha, Mariupol, and the rockets flying at its own cities.

We at NAnews – Israel News believe that such rapprochement must face resistance from citizens, politicians, and civil society.

As civilians in Ukraine continue to die from Russian aggression, Israel has no moral right to legitimize the Kremlin, which arms the terrorists who also fire on us.