List of ambassadors of Russia to Israel

Diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and Israel were formalised in May 1948, not long after the Israeli Declaration of Independence. The first envoy, Pavel Yershov [ru], was appointed on 26 June 1948, and presented his credentials on 17 August that year.^[4] Diplomatic relations were briefly suspended by the Soviet government with Yershov's recall in February 1953, but were restored in July that year, and Aleksandr Abramov [ru] was appointed the new envoy in August.^[5] Relations were further strengthened the following year with the conversion of the missions to the level of embassies.^[5]

In June 1967 the Soviet Union once more broke off relations, over the Six-Day War.^[5] For the next thirty years diplomatic relations were officially broken, until a thaw took place under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev. A consular mission was established in August 1987, and on 30 September 1990 this resulted in the opening of consulates, and the appointment of a consul general.^[6] On 3 January 1991 diplomatic relations were officially restored, and on 18 October 1991 the consulate general was upgraded to an embassy. Alexander Bovin was appointed as the new ambassador, and presented his credentials on 23 December 1991.^[6] With the official dissolution of the Soviet Union two days later, Bovin remained in post as representative of the Russian Federation, serving until 1997.^[6]