Russia-Israel tensions have intensified as Moscow appears primed to force the “dissolution” of the agency operations in the country.

By JNS

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid ordered a delegation to fly to Moscow on Wednesday evening to meet with Russian officials after a heated week of conflicting relations.

Russia-Israel tensions have recently intensified as Moscow appears primed to force the “dissolution” of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s operations in the country.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad, former head of the Political-Military Affairs Bureau at Israel’s Ministry of Defense Ministry, told JNS that Jerusalem should be cautious and avoid issuing harsh statements against Russia that could inflame the situation.

After Lapid criticized Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in late February and the brutal use of soldiers against civilians in the country, observers have said Russia created the Jewish Agency crisis in response.

Sources told Ynet on Monday that Israel and Russia were working to de-escalate tensions. Also on Monday, Lapid instructed that measures be prepared if the agency is forced to close.