Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06TELAVIV883
2006-03-02 14:16:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Tel Aviv
Cable title:  

GOI POSTPONES FURTHER DISCUSSION ON CHANGES TO

Tags:  PREL PTER KPAL RS IS GOI EXTERNAL 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L TEL AVIV 000883 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2016
TAGS: PREL PTER KPAL RS IS GOI EXTERNAL
SUBJECT: GOI POSTPONES FURTHER DISCUSSION ON CHANGES TO
ISRAEL'S RUSSIA POLICY

Classified By: Political Counselor Norman Olsen; Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D
).

C O N F I D E N T I A L TEL AVIV 000883

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2016
TAGS: PREL PTER KPAL RS IS GOI EXTERNAL
SUBJECT: GOI POSTPONES FURTHER DISCUSSION ON CHANGES TO
ISRAEL'S RUSSIA POLICY

Classified By: Political Counselor Norman Olsen; Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D
).


1. (C) According to both the Israeli NSC and MFA, the GOI's
high-level discussion on Russia policy held on February 28
revealed that there will be no substantial changes in
Israeli-Russian relations until after the March 28 Knesset
elections. National Security Adviser Giora Eiland reportedly
briefed A/PM Ehud Olmert -- as well as senior defense,
foreign affairs, and intelligence officials -- on the results
of a nearly year-long review of Israeli-Russian relations.
The meeting adjourned without any major decisions, and Olmert
postponed further discussions on the issue until after the
elections. Olmert later told the press that "Israel has an
interest in advancing improved relations with Russia and in
enhancing the ongoing bilateral dialogue on all levels."


2. (C) Deputy NSA Eran Etzion explained that what he called
the GOI's subdued reaction to the upcoming Hamas trip to
Moscow had been, at least in part, an effort to avoid
alienating ethnic Russian voters in Israel. At the same
time, opposition by Israeli intelligence services and
political concerns about attacks from the Israeli right led
Olmert's advisers to postpone further discussion on NSC
proposals for closer coordination with Moscow on the Iranian
nuclear issue. MFA Director for Eurasia Ana Azari jokingly
remarked that the only significant outcome of the meeting was
the lack of any leaks that would generate renewed tension
with Moscow.

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