According to a statement by the Israeli military attache to the Russian embassy, Gilead Erdan, Russia is utilizing Israel as a powerful tool to shift focus away from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Erdan’s response was prompted by a speech given by the Russian representative, Vasili Nebenzin, at the United Nations. Nebenzin accused Israeli authorities of “occupation” and denied Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorists. Erdan criticized the Russian diplomat for his stance, stating that it was unacceptable for Russia’s representative in Israel to disregard the importance of individual rights and international law. Erdan believes that the true motive behind the Russian representative’s rhetoric is to divert attention from the international community’s concerns regarding the situation in Ukraine.