In the recent outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Moscow is ready to work ‘constructively’ with partners in helping reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Putin is offering to strengthen its international effort by becoming the facilitator to mediate the crisis, only a day after Iraq’s prime minister appealed his support for ending the Israeli strikes on Gaza. To this day, Putin has maintained good relations with Israel, Palestine, and even Hamas. However, this war has also become a political tool for Russia. How does Russia benefit from this war?
How does Putin perceive the Israel-Hamas War?
Putin cast the conflict as the failure of US foreign policy in the Middle East and noted that the war may not end ‘anytime’ soon. Putin shared his view that the conflict is highly related to the incompetence of the US, which is trying to monopolize the conflict without truly finding compromises for the two sides. Putin could again blame and mock US foreign policy while also attacking the ‘US hegemony’ in the region. In addition, he appeared more firm in supporting the Palestinian’s needs and did not bother to acknowledge the gruesome deaths in Israel. His ‘ambiguous’ stance has been hailed by the Palestinian group Hamas, who appreciated Putin’s position on the aggression of Israel on Gaza.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has also been the attention of Putin; after Israel called for Gazans to evacuate within a day, Putin warned Israel that any civilian losses are unacceptable. Russia’s stance in the Middle East may appear uncertain as Putin has ‘good relations’ with Israel and Palestine. Israel President Netanyahu and Putin have a close friendship relationship, as both countries also avoid harsh confrontations while maintaining their relations with other allies.
However, the Israel-Hamas war has illuminated its position more definitely, adding to the statement that the militant group reportedly has been using Russia-made Kornet anti-tank missiles for a decade. Russia has also normatively proposed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict for a ceasefire and against any violence to civilians and terrorist acts. Russia took advantage of the Israel-Hamas war to pressure Western countries while gaining global support, which also widely supported Palestinian freedoms and rights.
In his recent speech, Vladimir Putin called for the importance of creating a Palestinian state. At the same time, he said that while it was confirmed that Israel had been ‘attacked’ by Hamas militants and Israel had the right to defend itself, however, Israel responded cruelly, which he referred to the history of Nazi Germany during World War II. These statements signal the deteriorating relations between Russia and Israel and seem to become the perfect moment for closer ties with Israel’s rival, Iran, which strongly supports Hamas, as Moscow has relied on Iran to buy the suicide drones in its war in Ukraine.
Reshape his political image?
While Putin has received a lot of condemnation from the world, especially the Western countries, about its decision on the war in Ukraine, Putin may use this war momentum as a way to regain its political image through a facilitator role and become distinct from its rival, the US who are clearly on the Israel side. He already made an effort to approach other nations, especially the Arab countries and those who are condemning the Israel-Hamas war. The Russian officials have also announced that there will be an upcoming visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. As stated previously, Russia has also strengthened its ties with Iran as the country has military and economic sanctions from the West; Russia needs to find another supplier for its military needs.
The confrontation between Israel and Hamas may have been used to draw public attention away from Russia’s ongoing battle. Furthermore, the Western powers would have undoubtedly increased and dispersed their focus and efforts to sustain and finance counterattacks in both conflicts for the states they supported.