Envoy: Russia keeps embassy open in Israel despite security concerns

The Russian diplomatic mission in Israel continues to operate despite the ongoing tensions surrounding the Iran-Israel conflict.

The embassy is still providing services and assisting Russian nationals, Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov stated during a broadcast, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“The embassy, despite the situation, has not ceased its work. The consular section, fully staffed, continues to provide necessary services to Russian citizens. We are still receiving our nationals,” he said.

The Russian Embassy in Israel currently has no plans to further reduce its diplomatic staff.

“We recently relocated some of our staff members, not even the employees themselves, but their family members and school teachers, to Egypt two days ago.

They have safely arrived in Cairo and are now mostly flying home.

We are considering possible future reductions in diplomatic personnel, but for the time being, we will not be taking such measures,” he added.

On June 16, Russia’s Embassy in Tel Aviv urged its citizens to leave Israel amid escalating hostilities with Iran, which have involved missile and drone exchanges since late last week, Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov told state media.

“All Russian citizens who are in Israel should leave the country until the situation normalises,” Viktorov told Rossia 24, advising them to exit via Egypt, where they have visa-free access and can fly back to Russia.

“The situation is tense, I must admit,” he said. “The threat to the lives and health of both diplomats and Russian citizens in Israel is quite real.”

He added that contingency plans are being considered in case a broader evacuation is needed. Over the weekend, Russia’s Embassy in Tehran suspended activity at its consulate and evacuated a group of citizens.

By Aghakazim Guliyev