Scott Ritter on the Russia-Israel dynamic:
THE RUSSIAN-ISRAELI DYNAMIC IS COMPLICATED
Russian and former Soviet (i.e., Ukrainian) Jews make up a significant percentage of the Israeli population, and ties between the Russian Jewish community and Israel remain close. This linkage has resulted in the Russian and Israeli governments maintaining close relationships over the years.
However, Israelโs irresponsible and illegal behavior toward Palestinians and the people of the Middle East, when combined with Israelโs strategic alignment with the United States, often puts it in an adversarial posture vis a vis Russian interests.
Russia has realigned itself geopolitically with Eurasia, and has established strategic relationships with nations Israel considers mortal enemies, including Iran and Syria.
The current Israel-Iran conflict is on a trajectory which will require Russia to take a side.
Every indication is that Russia will align itself with Iran.
How this plays out in terms of actions is yet to be seen.
But if Israel is not careful, Russian weapons operated by Russian personnel could be in direct conflict with American weapons operated by Israelis.
