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(Bloomberg) — Russian authorities have asked a Moscow court to liquidate a prominent group handling the emigration of Jews to Israel in a move likely to further raise tensions with Tel Aviv fueled by the Kremlin\u2019s invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n
The Basmanniy Court scheduled a preliminary hearing for July 28 in the case, which was brought by the Justice Ministry for alleged violations of Russian law, according to court spokeswoman Yekaterina Buravtsova.<\/p>\n
\u201cRussian Jews will not be held hostage by the war in Ukraine,\u201d said Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai. \u201cThe attempt to punish the Jewish Agency for Israel\u2019s stance on the war is deplorable and offensive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Russia\u2019s Justice Ministry didn\u2019t immediately respond to a request for comment. The Jewish Agency, which is independent but has close ties to the Israeli government, confirmed the court date but declined further comment.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the group said it was continuing to operate even as Russian authorities said they found violations in a recent inspection.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no justifiable reason to stop the activity of the Agency and therefore diplomatic efforts are underway to clarify the issue and regulate the activities,\u201d said Pnina Tameno Shete, Israel\u2019s Minister of Aliyah and Integration. \u201cI have no doubt that they will find the appropriate solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Russian President Vladimir Putin\u2019s relations with Israel have become increasingly strained since his invasion of Ukraine in February, which sparked unprecedented US and European sanctions. Tel Aviv has criticized Russia\u2019s move, drawing anger from Moscow. The Jewish Agency has helped refugees from Ukraine resettle in Israel since the invasion.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis lawsuit is disappointing news whatever the basis is and appears to be a step back in relations between Russia and Israel,\u201d said Borukh Gorin, a spokesman for the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.<\/p>\n
(Updates with Israeli reaction from third paragraph)<\/p>\n