On January 8, 2024, in Tel Aviv, the NGO Dor Moriah held an expert session on the results of the study “ The influence of world leaders on the future of Israel and the Middle East “.
Sociology and geopolitics
The research was conducted by the Sociological Center “Cartography” according to the questionnaire developed by the Analytical Center of the NGO “Dor Moria”. The discussion was attended by the organization’s experts: lobbyists, journalists, bloggers, political scientists, businessmen, and security specialists.
Результаты исследований подтверждают, что израильтяне поддерживают точку зрения о влиянии России на политику на Ближнем Востоке, и в Израиле. According to Israelis, Russian President Vladimir Putin is considered one of the top three world leaders influencing the region in 2023. Monitoring of Israelis’ attitudes toward possible involvement in the Ukrainian war also showed that more than 50% see deteriorating relations with Russia as the main threat to Israel.
But the issues discussed at the meeting touched on a broader range of problems facing Israel. Dor Moriah 2023 research has revealed significant ideological and attitudinal cleavages among Israel’s religious and political groups. A divisiveness that will only intensify once the war with Hamas is over.
A session on January 8 focused on the increasing influence of Russian-speaking Israelis, including from New Aliya on Israeli politics.
Beyond sectoral parties
According to experts, for Russian-speaking Israelis to influence positive changes in Israel’s social, economic and political systems does not require the creation of a sectoral party. A broader state-centered ideology is needed that unites the citizens of Israel for the development of the nation and the salvation of the state. An ideology that will transcend traditional political divisions. A new wave of Russian-speaking aliya could become a leading force in Israel’s right-wing secular nationalist political spectrum. By advocating a multi-vector policy and national sovereignty, they can significantly influence the political landscape of a country.
Russian-speaking Israelis could also play a key role in Israel’s multi-vector policy, especially given the expansion of BRICS.
The experts also discussed the influence of Russian and Russian-speaking actors on Israeli politics. Discussions emphasized the need for a nuanced understanding of these influences in shaping Israel’s future political and social landscape. The integration of Russian-speaking Israelis into the national fabric, along with a state-centered ideology, may portend a renewal of Israeli politics that supports the country’s sovereignty and multi-vector diplomacy.
Presentation for the meeting: