Sources told the publication that the meeting took place on Monday morning between civil servants, and not with the political echelon, which actually makes decisions. Therefore, the meeting was very technical and focused on the legal implications of Russian privacy laws.
The official explained that he hoped the Russians would provide a clue as to a direction that would help the Israelis understand what could be done to save the Jewish Agency in Russia from liquidation. However, this did not happen.
“If there is any chance to move the issue of the agency in a positive direction, it can only happen at the diplomatic or political level right now,” a diplomatic source said and suggested that “an Israeli leader such as President Isaac Herzog, Deputy Prime Minister Minister Naftali Bennett or Prime Minister Yair Lapid can make a difference.”
The Duke hinted that he was involved behind the scenes, but did not elaborate on whether he was actually in dialogue with the Kremlin.
“The only thing we can do now is to wait for the trial on August 19. There is no reason to hope that the trial will be honest and professional, but you never know,” the diplomatic source said.
It should be noted that on July 28 the Basmanny Court of Moscow began considering the claim of the Russian Ministry of Justice on the liquidation of the office of the Jewish Agency in Russia. The court session was scheduled for August 19, and the session on Thursday was considered preparatory.
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