Tel Aviv, Israel – Russian Ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, revealed intensive and secret diplomatic efforts undertaken by Moscow last month between Iran and Israel. He confirmed that the Russian intervention came at the request of both sides with the aim of preventing the situation from escalating into a full-blown military conflict in the region.
Open channels and high-level coordination
In an interview with RIA Novosti, Viktorov emphasized the strength of Russian-Israeli relations despite the complex challenges of recent years. The ambassador explained that communication channels between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain very active. He also noted that the two leaders held six telephone conversations last year, the most recent of which took place last month. He added that contacts between Putin and Netanyahu included continuous institutional coordination to address regional security challenges. Furthermore, cultural ties were highlighted, given the presence of approximately two million Russian speakers in Israel. The ambassador described this segment as an “unbreakable link” between the two countries.
Russian Embassy Incident
In a statement reflecting the sensitivity of the situation on the ground, Viktorov revealed that a building belonging to the Russian embassy sustained damage during what he termed the “twelve-day war.” He explained that one of the missiles launched by Iran shattered the building’s windows. He noted that the family of one of the embassy staff members miraculously escaped injury after reaching a shelter moments before the explosion. Thanks to this, no Russian diplomatic personnel were harmed. These statements reflect Moscow’s efforts to solidify its position as an acceptable mediator among the competing regional powers. They also aim to highlight its ability to manage the delicate balance between Tehran and Tel Aviv at the height of military tensions. Moscow leverages its strategic relationship with Iran and its open channels with the Netanyahu government.
