IntelBrief: What is Russia’s Role in the Mideast Crisis?

Bottom Line Up Front

• Russia is trying to exploit the Israel-Hamas conflict to balance the struggles with its war against Ukraine.
• Russian diplomats are trying to discredit the United States for supporting Israel and downplaying the deaths of Palestinian civilians in the conflict.
• Moscow’s public support for its ally, Iran, in the crisis might provoke Israel to provide military technology to Ukraine.
• Through the Wagner Group, Russia might supply Hezbollah with air defense or other technology and is likely to acquire soon additional Iranian weaponry to replenish its missile arsenal.