Israel dissatisfied due to Russian attempts to spread propaganda

The Israeli special services appealed to Russian intelligence to stop pro-Russian disinformation in Israeli society.

Ynet reports that the bots spreading pro-Russian propaganda in Hebrew were flagged on social media.

Aim of Russian propaganda in Israel

Usually, these mentions are aimed at discouraging support for Ukraine. In recent weeks, however, the Israeli security service has begun to warn of provocative messages about internal divisions in Israel.

“Representatives of Israeli intelligence have recently asked Russian intelligence to stop online influence operations against Israeli citizens,” the statement said.

Local media also reported that this is the second appeal by Israeli intelligence services to Russian intelligence. 

The previous one was before the last election, in which the Russians were asked not to interfere in Israeli affairs.

Russia-Israel relations

The UN Security Council considered strikes in Syria that were attributed to Israel at Russia’s urging, a hint of hardening of Moscow’s stance against Jerusalem.

The Security Council’s deliberations followed news that Israel has, for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, approved the sale of defensive military weaponry to Kyiv.

According to reports, the Russian ambassador reminded the Council that “Israel’s violent attacks damage the entire region and must stop. Throughout the region, Israel’s unilateral activities have had an impact. The Security Council should make an effort to send Israel a loud and unambiguous message about this.

A diplomatic cable delivered to the Israeli Foreign Ministry noticed the shift in Russia’s tone.

Israel had not expected Russia to want a discussion on the subject, and there were worries Moscow may try to push for a resolution against Israel before the Security Council.

Relations have been strained since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, although Israel and Russia have long coordinated their actions in Syrian airspace to prevent any incidents.

Russia seemed to change its tone after Jerusalem reportedly authorised export permits for two Israeli firms to sell electronic warfare devices with a range of about 40 kilometres (25 miles), which might be used to ward against drone assaults.

Israel’s help for Ukraine

Eli Cohen, the foreign minister, and Yoav Gallant, the defence minister, approved the export licences in the middle of February, according to the Walla news site, which cited three Israeli and Ukrainian officials. 

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, was notified of the choice by Cohen when he was in Kyiv.