What Happened: Russia's Ministry of Justice demanded the closure of Israel's Jewish Agency in Russia allegedly in retaliation for Israeli support for Ukraine, Reuters reported July 21. Israel is expected to file an appeal.

Why It Matters: This development will further raise tensions in Russia-Israel relations, which have worsened over Israel's drift toward backing Ukraine and Russia's apparent efforts to slow Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets inside Syria. These tensions could spiral into a diplomatic crisis or accidental military escalation, particularly in Syria.

Background: On July 5, Russia's foreign ministry demanded Israel cease a long-running covert air campaign against Iranian targets in Syria after Israeli warplanes hit a reputed Iranian position relatively close to Russia's naval base in Tartus. Russia is trying to build a stronger alliance with Iran and secure gains in Syria's civil war.