MOSCOW: Around 40 Israeli citizens were briefly detained at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.
The group was held during passport control procedures. A detention period of about five hours was reported.
Children and dual nationals were among those affected, according to reports. The individuals were later released.
Security checks and questioning were conducted by Russian authorities. Mobile phones were also examined, it was reported.
Questions were asked about the Iran–Israel conflict, according to accounts from those involved.
It was stated during questioning that Iran is considered an ally of Russia. It was also said that opponents of Iran are viewed as “enemies of Russia.” Visitors from Israel were reportedly told that their presence in Moscow was “not desirable.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident and later issued a travel advisory. Citizens were advised to avoid non-essential travel to Russia.
No immediate comment was issued by Russian authorities.
