Moscow Accuses Israel Of Supporting ‘Neo-Nazis’ In Ukraine After It Seeks Apology For Lavrov’s Claim About Hitler

Topline

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday accused the Israeli government of supporting neo-Nazis in Ukraine marking a major escalation in a diplomatic row between the two countries after Israel sought an apology from Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov for claiming that Adolf Hitler had Jewish origins.

Key Facts

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid demanded an apology for the Russian Foreign Minister’s remarks about Hitler being Jewish calling them “unforgivable and scandalous” noting that it blamed Jews themselves for the holocaust.

In its retort the Russian Foreign Ministry said Lapid’s comments were “anti-historical” and it explained why the “current Israeli government supports the neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv.”

The Russian ministry reiterated Lavrov’s argument that its allegations Ukraine being run by “neo-Nazis” was in no way negated by the fact that the Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky himself is Jewish.

The statement also accused the Ukrainian government if nurturing antisemitism in “everyday life and in politics.”

Key Background

In an interview on Italian television Lavrov was asked how Russia can claim it was “de-nazifying” Ukraine when Zelensky himself was Jewish. Lavrov retorted: “So what if Zelensky is Jewish?” and said this did not negate the presence of “Nazi elements in Ukraine.” He then went on to claim that Hitler also had Jewish origins and added that “some of the worst anti-Semites are Jews.” Lavrov’s comments prompted an immediate diplomatic firestorm with the Israeli government summoning Russian Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov to express its displeasure. Lavrov’s remarks were also denounced by the German government which called them “absurd” propaganda.

Chief Critic

Reacting to Lavrov’s remarks Lapid said: “This is an unforgivable and scandalous comment, a terrible historical error and we expect an apology. Hitler was not of Jewish origin and the Jews did not murder themselves in the Holocaust. The lowest form of racism against Jews is blaming the Jews themselves for antisemitism.”

What To Watch For

While Israel has expressed support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his government have been wary of damaging its relationship with Russia, which maintains a key presence in neighboring Syria. Despite several requests from Kyiv, Israeli officials have so far refused to send lethal military aid to Ukraine. It’s unclear if the current diplomatic row with Moscow may prompt Tel Aviv to change its approach and offer weapons to the Ukrainians. Kyiv has previously expressed interest in purchasing Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system to guard it cities against Russian missile attacks, but such a deal has been nixed by the Israeli government in an effort to avoid angering Russia.

Further Reading

Russia says Israel supports neo-Nazis in row over Ukraine (Reuters)

Israel Slams Russia’s Lavrov For ‘Unforgivable’ Claim Hitler Was Partially Jewish (Forbes)