Embassies warned not to accept Independence Day donations from oligarchs
While the West has imposed crushing sanctions against Moscow and Russian businessmen for its invasion of Ukraine, Israel has not
The Foreign Ministry has warned the country’s diplomatic missions abroad to not accept Independence Day donations from any person under sanctions.
According to the Kan public broadcaster, the order was aimed — albeit not explicitly — at Russian businessmen who have been sanctioned over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministry said in response to the Sunday report: “In the run-up to Independence Day, the Foreign Ministry is refining the directive on accepting donations. Among other things, it is forbidden to accept donations from sanctioned people and bodies.”
In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, Western countries have applied crushing economic sanctions targeting Moscow’s financial institutions including its central bank, shipping and trade industry, tech and aviation sectors, and community of wealthy oligarchs and their circles.
Russia has been frozen out of international banking systems, causing the ruble to plummet in value.
However, Israel has avoided joining Western sanctions against Russian oligarchs, though Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has said Israel will not serve as a route to bypass sanctions.
Israel has walked a tightrope between Russia and Ukraine throughout the course of the war. There are Jewish communities in both nations and Russia maintains a heavy military presence in Syria, on Israel’s northern border, where the IDF is seeking to continue its aerial sorties against Iran-backed targets. This ostensibly neutral position has enabled Israel to assume the role of mediator between the two warring parties.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said last month that Israel should get onboard with Western sanctions, and bar Russian oligarchs. “You don’t want to become the last haven for dirty money that’s fueling Putin’s wars,” Nuland said.
But Jerusalem is not planning to impose sanctions on Moscow or Russian oligarchs, senior Israeli officials told The Times of Israel.
Among the sanctioned is Israeli-Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, Israel’s wealthiest citizen.
Abramovich made billions in the Russian oil industry but has denied that he was ever part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.
The Times of Israel Community.