Russia To Summon Israeli Ambassador, Citing ‘Unacceptable Statements’: Report
In response to what it described as “unacceptable comments” made by Israeli Ambassador Simona Halperin, Russia’s TASS news agency reported on Monday that Moscow would summon the ambassador for an official meeting.
Halperin’s remarks in a recent interview with Russia’s Kommersant daily were deemed to misrepresent Russia’s foreign policy stance. The ministry characterized Halperin’s comments as “an extremely unsuccessful start” to her diplomatic role, which began in December of last year.
During the interview, Halperin criticized Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for downplaying the significance of the Holocaust stating that “many nations suffered heavy losses” and “the Russian people paid millions and millions of lives to defeat Nazism. And we remember that.
“But never before in history did the world know such a massive and systematic destruction of people solely on a national basis. This was experienced only by the Jewish people. I will tirelessly repeat this.”
Additionally, Halperin voiced concerns about Russia’s friendly relations with the Palestinian group Hamas, specifically Moscow’s reluctance to condemn the Oct. 7 attack against Israel.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed particular dismay at the ambassador’s perceived disrespect for Russia’s efforts in hostage negotiations. Additionally, they pointed out that Halperin’s comments regarding the Holocaust contradicted a United Nations General Assembly resolution, and her suggestions about altering Russia’s “state calendar” were viewed as interference in internal affairs.
