In stupidity and anti-Semitism of Lavrov attributes the unprecedented statements by the Russian Foreign Minister, one of the most important analysts of Israel’s foreign policy and defense, Dr. Ephraim Inbar. Speaking exclusively on SKAI and to Apostolos Maggeriadis, President of the Institute for Strategy and Security in Jerusalem.
He claims that people are outraged by these statements, but replies that Russia-Israel relations should not be affected.
The interview in detail:
Q: Professor, we were surprised by Lavrov’s comments. I wonder what lies behind this reaction and whether you think there will be any escalation on the part of Israel?
Ephraim Inbar: Look, often the best explanation for political statements is stupidity. And I do not think this is an exception. And I do not think Israel will escalate. We want to have good relations with Russia. And Russia is our neighbor in Syria. And we certainly want to continue our cooperation with Russia, especially in the field of Syria.
I understand. But at the same time, I mean Lavrov is a very, very experienced diplomat. And I could not just explain his reaction, and attribute it only to stupidity.
Maybe there is, you know, a grain of anti-Semitism in his personality. And that came out. But he did not attack Israel. Just explain why Zelensky is badς.
Can you explain to us how it feels in Israel and how people reacted to Lavrov’s comments?
Ephraim Inbar: Look, people were surprised and outraged to hear you accuse Jews of anti-Semitism. You know, it’s not a big compliment to Jews. And it is, of course, a historical, inaccurate statement. Jews did not kill Jews during World War II. We did not put the Jews in the gas chambers. It was the Germans of the time and the people of Eastern Europe who helped them. But, you know, sometimes we hear things and we get used to it, you know, in 2000 years maybe more anti-Semitism. We do not take it lightly, but this is not something new for us.
Q: To what extent do you think this episode is affecting Russia-Israel relations? We had the impression that Israel was trying to play the role of mediator in this conflict. But I feel that this episode seriously undermines it.
Ephraim Inbar: I think the Russians decided to go with the Turks in the field of mediation. And we do not have a problem with that, if the Russians can find a better mediator in the person of President Erdogan. I’m not sure he’s the best man to mediate in such conflicts, but if the Russians and Ukrainians are happy with Erdogan, then so be it!
Q: The Americans believe that Putin will declare war on May 9, a very symbolic date. What would this mean for the West? How credible do you think the warning is? And should we expect a mobilization, with the reinforcement of the Russian troops?
Ephraim Inbar: Of course. May 9 is an important day for Russians. It is the day they declared victory over Nazi Germany and they may decide to extend the war by declaring general mobilization. Declaring war will also allow them to bring in the younger generations who have just enlisted in the army. This is obviously a possibility, but we have to be patient until May 9th and then we will see what happens.
Q: And finally, if I were to ask you, what is the outlook for the coming weeks or months for the Ukrainian crisis, what would you say?
Ephraim Inbar: I think the war will continue. After all, Russia seems determined to come out with some kind of victory, something that can be described as a victory. I think the Ukrainians are doing the best they can to prevent this result and there is no chance of a reconciliation or even a compromise in the near future.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
