As per a report released by Anadolu Agency on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Russia has issued a strong condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding his statements that connect Iran’s nuclear threat with the Holocaust, calling this comparison both historically incorrect and disrespectful to the victims of World War II.
Maria Zakharova provided the response, accusing Netanyahu of misrepresenting historical facts by implying that Israel could experience a disaster akin to the Holocaust due to Iran.
Zakharova disputed the validity of this analogy, asserting that Iran had no ties to the crimes executed during World War II. She highlighted that Iran declared war on Nazi Germany in 1943, thus challenging the validity of linking Iran to Holocaust-related events.
In her comments, Zakharova underlined that referencing Nazi concentration camps such as Auschwitz while discussing Iran’s nuclear ambitions is inappropriate. She regarded such comparisons as disrespectful towards Holocaust survivors and others who endured hardships during the broader conflict, which included Soviet citizens and Red Army members.
This criticism follows remarks from Netanyahu, who alerted about a possible existential danger to Israel, claiming that actions taken by Iran could provoke a catastrophe on a scale similar to the Holocaust.
Russia has also reaffirmed its stance, stating that Iran’s nuclear endeavors remain peaceful, referring to international oversight mechanisms and agreements. Moscow officials have consistently promoted diplomatic engagement as the ideal means to address the situation.
This dialogue showcases the escalating tensions between Moscow and Tel Aviv, especially as disagreements about Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional security matters continue to grow.