Ten days after Lapid accused Russia of war crimes, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow spoke out against the "anti-Russian attack." Russia has attacked the "illegal occupation and the creeping annexation of the Palestinian territories," stressing that "Western countries and the United States tacitly agree to continue the occupation."

Why is it important?

The harsh Russian announcement is the first response to Israel's vote in the UN General Assembly in favor of Russia's suspension from the UN Human Rights Council. Senior Israeli officials estimated that the Russians would respond but the response came after 10 days.

Behind the Scenes

Before the vote in the UN General Assembly, the Russians addressed many countries, including Israel, and threatened that if they voted in favor of the decision to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council, it would have serious consequences.

The head of the Euro-Asia Division at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, Gary Koren, said that Israel had made it clear to the Russians that they regularly vote against Israel at the UN on the Palestinian issue and therefore Israel sees no reason not to vote for the decision to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council.

Between the lines

A senior Israeli official said it should be noted that the Russians issued an anonymous spokesman, not a response on behalf of Foreign Minister Lavrov or the Deputy Foreign Minister. Also, he said, the Russians mentioned in the announcement only the Palestinians and did not mention Syria at all.