IDF Colonel Vadim Liderman, detained by Russian authorities in Moscow on suspicion of espionage and then deported earlier this week, did nothing wrong the IDF spokesperson's office said Wednesday.
Liderman, the Defense Ministry said in a statement, was arrested by surprise last week by Russian security officials and questioned at length on suspicions he was spying on Russia for Israel.
The arrest came as a delegation of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee visited Moscow under the leadership of the committee chairman and former defense minister Shaul Mofaz.
Israel openly criticized Russia earlier this year for supplying Syria with advanced Yakhont anti-ship cruise missiles, which the IDF fears will be transferred to Hizbullah in Lebanon.
Israel has also criticized Russia for supplying Iran and Syria with Komet anti-tank missiles, which have been used by Hamas against IDF and civilian targets in Israel – a claim Russia denies.
According to the IDF and Defense Ministry statement, Liderman’s term as military attaché to Moscow was supposed to end in two months.
The IDF said, upon his return from Moscow, Liderman was questioned by security officials who ruled out the allegations that the attaché was operating as a spy in Russia.