Russian foreign minister says U.S. is not an “honest broker” in the Arab-Israeli conflict

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who chaired the recent United Nations Security Council meeting, blamed the United States and the Jewish state for the protracted conflict between Israel and the Arab population in Judea and Samaria, internationally known as the West Bank and in Gaza.

The Russian top diplomat blasted the United States for not being an “honest broker” in the “Middle East peace process.”  

“Washington claims to be the only sponsor of the Middle East peace process, ignoring the fact that it has long ago lost its neutrality and impartiality – qualities that are integral to a fair broker,” claimed Lavrov. 

In recent years, Russia has sought a more active role in the Middle East as Washington’s influence in the region wanes, however, has failed to live up to its own “honest broker” aspirations. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, Moscow is simultaneously building a close military alliance with the Islamic Republic of Iran, which openly calls for Israel’s destruction. Russian-Iranian military cooperation fuels violence in both the Middle East and Ukraine. 

The UN Security Council debate on the Arab-Israeli conflict coincided with Israel’s Memorial Day, when the Jewish state remembers the thousands of Israelis who have died while defending Israel or as a result of an act of terrorism.

Russia reportedly rejected Israel's request to postpone the debate to another day. Russian-Israeli ties have gradually deteriorated due to the Russian-Iranian alliance, as well as Israel’s growing criticism of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan walked out of the UN Security Council session in protest of the disrespect for Israel’s memorial day. 

“Today is one of the most sacred days of the year for the State of Israel,” Erdan stated. “We made numerous requests to reschedule today’s debate, describing the deep importance of the day, yet tragically, this Council refused to budge,” said the Israeli ambassador. 

“...while Israelis mourn, this Council – as usual – will hear more blatant lies condemning the State of Israel and falsely painting it as the root of all the region’s problems. This could not be further from the truth," Erdan added.