Russian diplomats facing ‘nerve-wracking' situation in Israel
In an interview with the television news channel Russia 24, Viktorov outlined the mounting difficulties confronting the embassy since tensions escalated following Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear sites last week.
'The situation is nerve-wracking, I must admit. The threat to the lives and well-being of both diplomats and Russian citizens in Israel is not ephemeral,' Viktorov said from Tel Aviv.
He noted that shockwaves from nearby explosions had shattered windows in several embassy residences. 'Thankfully, there were no direct hits, but the incidents were unfortunate,' he said. Viktorov added that the US consular office in Tel Aviv had also recently sustained minor damage from flying debris.
Embassy staff have also seen their workloads increase significantly during the crisis. Viktorov said he had only managed three hours of sleep the previous night. Still, he urged employees to take their annual leave.
'This is a good moment to take families and rest back home,' he said. The embassy has encouraged Russian nationals to exit Israel via Egypt, citing safety concerns. According to Viktorov, dozens have already done so and 'rightfully so.'
Israel has said its strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, scientists, and senior officials were 'pre-emptive,' claiming Tehran posed an existential threat. Iran denies the allegations, maintaining its nuclear program is peaceful. It has responded with missile attacks, calling them legitimate acts of self-defense. Exchanges of fire between the two nations have occurred daily since the hostilities erupted last Friday.
Moscow has placed responsibility for the escalation on Israel, accusing it of seeking to derail the indirect US-Iran negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. Russian officials have also warned that strikes on nuclear sites pose a potential global risk of radioactive contamination.
The broader regional conflict traces back to October 2023, when a deadly incursion by the Palestinian militant group Hamas led to a sustained Israeli military operation in Gaza. West Jerusalem has also carried out air strikes in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
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