Russia has signaled its willingness to facilitate a negotiated resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli crisis. However, examining Russia’s historical and current sympathies and considering whether a Russian-brokered resolution is a viable prospect requires delving into the details and the history of the situation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a CIS heads of state meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, stressed the urgent need to halt the ongoing bloodshed in the Palestinian-Israeli crisis. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts for an early ceasefire and to stabilize the situation on the ground.
Putin stated, “Russia is ready to coordinate with all constructively-minded partners. We proceed from the view that there is no alternative to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through negotiations.” He also noted that an Israeli ground offensive in Gaza resulting in “absolutely unacceptable” civilian casualties must be avoided. The Russian President underlined the goal of the talks, which should lead to the implementation of the UN two-state formula, creating an independent Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem, living in peace and security alongside Israel.
Putin attributed the crisis to the failure of the 1947 UN-mandated creation of separate Palestinian and Jewish states and called on all parties to prioritize the safety of civilians. This position, seeking a balanced approach, has raised concerns and sparked a propaganda campaign in the US and NATO, as it diverges from Western leaders’ full-throated support for Israel.
The historical context reveals that the Soviet Union initially supported the creation of separate Palestinian and Jewish states, recognizing Israel in 1948. However, relations with Israel soured due to the non-materialization of the promised Palestinian state and Jerusalem’s rejection of Moscow’s proposal for UN Security Council trusteeship over the city.
Tensions escalated in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, leading to a break in relations between the USSR and Israel. From 1967 until 1985, there were no contacts between the two countries, with the USSR supporting anti-Western national liberation movements and providing advanced military hardware to its allies in the Middle East. Ties began to be restored in the late 1980s under Gorbachev’s reforms, leading to full diplomatic relations in 1991.
In the post-Soviet period, Russia maintained warm relations with Israel, focusing on various areas of cooperation, even though Israel is a US ally. Simultaneously, Russia continued to support Palestine’s quest for statehood, recognizing it as a sovereign state, and engaging with Palestinian representatives. Throughout periods of violence, Russia consistently called for a swift end to hostilities.
The Ukrainian crisis strained Russia-Israel relations, but behind-the-scenes talks continued, demonstrating Russia’s potential as a mediator in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Whether Russia can resolve the current crisis hinges on the willingness of Israelis and Palestinians, their regional and international allies, and their partners to accept Russian mediation. The Palestinian-Israeli dispute is one of the world’s most enduring and complex conflicts, requiring monumental diplomatic efforts from all parties involved for a resolution.