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Ìýhas granted citizenship toÌýÌýmining oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov, a figure linked to President Vladimir Putin and known to be one of the world'sÌýrichest men.

The Russian billionaire entered Israel on a visitor'sÌývisa in March and was soon grantedÌýIsraeli citizenship on account of his Jewish ancestry, according toÌýYnetÌýNews.

Prokhorov, the world's 193rd richest person, passedÌýeligibility tests conducted by a section of theÌýIsraeli prime minister's office which is responsible for judging citizenship applicationsÌýfor Jews born in former Soviet countries.Ìý

According to the Israel's controversialÌýLaw of Return, "Jews, their children, grandchildren and spouses" are all eligible to visit Israel and claim citizenship.Ìý

However, millions of Palestinian refugees are unable to return to the homes they and their forebears were expelled from in Israel and the occupied West Bank in 1948 and 1967.

Thousands of Ukrainian Jews have had their applications for 'right of return' visas accepted since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.Ìý

Prokhorov is a highly controversial figure who was grantedÌýthe 'Order of Friendship’ byÌýPutin in 2006, and France's highest state award, the Legion of Honour.Ìý

He once owned NBA team the Brooklyn NetsÌýbut sold itÌýfor $2.3 billion after Putin reportedlyÌýtold him he couldn't be "pro-Russian" and own a US team, according to The New York Post.Ìý

Despite running against Putin in the 2012 Russian general election, Prokhorov is considered within the Kremlin's sphere of influence and has been pictured with Putin several times since.Ìý

Prokhorov was not targeted by US sanctions following Russia'sÌýinvasion of Ukraine.

have been reportedly been rushing to find safe havens for their money and their family members, asÌýsweeping Western sanctions threaten their personal fortunes.Ìý
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