Shas MK Yaakov Margi set off a political explosion with his recent visit with leaders of the Crimea government established by Russia, setting off a volatile response from the Ukraine as he walked into the heart of that conflict. Margi was invited by Chief Rabbi of Sevastopol Binyomin Wolf and decided to take him up on the offer.

Margi, who serves as the Chairman of the Knesset Education Committee, met with Crimean Prime Minister Sergei Aksyonov. Israel was quick to distance itself from the visit announcing the MK acted on his own initiative and he in no way is a representative of the State of Israel. He did however inform the Knesset Ethic Committee of the invitation and his visit was approved by the committee.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 while Ukrainian officials prohibit meetings with those officials under penalty of law, viewing the Russian government as a “puppet government that occupies the area”. Margi walked into the heart of this conflict and set off a political storm as the Tass news agency reported Margi’s visit was likely to assist Israeli citizens in forming their opinion vis-à-vis the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Margi is quoted telling the media that he had a misconception regarding life for 17,000 Jews in Crimea but as a result of his visit, he sees life for the Jewish population is good and they are safe as he feels safe, eliciting the Ire of Ukrainian officials. The Israel Foreign Ministry is carefully monitoring the situation that results from Margi’s blunder. Foreign Ministry officials, like the Prime Minister’s Office, have distanced themselves from Margi and his actions, announcing they were unaware of his planned visit in advance.

Realizing the error of his ways, Margi is not saying much but he has announced his trip was authorized by the Knesset Ethics Committee as well as coordinating with the Knesset Foreign Affairs Department and the Foreign Ministry. Knesset spokesman Yotam Yakir also announced the visit is not an official one and Margi is not acting as a representative of the Knesset.

Israel is caught in a difficult situation as it does not wish to strain relations with Russia but officials are also aware the Ukraine is now serving as a member of the United Nations Security Council and this too is relevant. Israel does not wish to take sides in this battle between Russia and the Ukraine, but Margi has literally walked into political quicksand as the Russians did not waste time and they used Margi’s visit to signal it marks an official visit by Israel and, which is viewed as recognition of its government.

The Ukrainian government late last week informed Israeli that it is considering indictment Margi for the visit for in the eyes of the Ukrainians, the MK broke the law and he visited a Russian-occupied area, namely the Crimean Peninsula. Ukrainian officials have already filed a formal protest with the Israel Foreign Ministry. Ukrainian officials have announced a formal investigation into Margi’s actions has been launched.

Only seven countries recognize Crimea today: Russia, Syria, Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Venezuela, North Korea and Cuba.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)