About 1/3 of Israelis are Russian immigrants
Often the brightest and most technically skilled
This article is an interesting read about Russia’s seemingly passive stance on what the West would consider weakness or backing down to “ provocations”
https://russia-insider.com/en/politics/russias-maddening-patience-why-doesnt-she-strike-back-when-attacked/ri23653#.WxFNL8RRGmo.twitter
Yep, that’s the key to the relationship. I doubt very much that Israel planned it, but the Russians there are almost like human shields to Putin - he doesn’t want to blow them off the map.
But whatever it is, they are VERY TIGHT now, regardless of what we may think or want.