“I’m here because of the hard security situation, which is becoming increasingly complex on our northern border”, Netanyahu told Putin in the Russian president’s residence of Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow.
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“All actions taken by Russian Federation in the region have always been and will be very responsible”, Putin said.
But it’s alsot concerned that greater Russian military support might make it harder for Israel to defend itself against Iran and Hezbollah, who it says are sending weapons through Syria.
“Prevent(ing) misunderstandings between IDF (Israel Defense Force) units and Russian forces“, Netanyahu said, is the most important part of this meeting.
The apparent increase in the flow of Russian arms and personnel to Syria has prompted speculation that the Kremlin may be preparing for direct military intervention on Assad’s side. The coordination will apply to “air, naval and electromagnetic fields“, RIA Novosti reported citing a source in Israeli military.
Following talks Saturday with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in London that Syrian President Bashar Assad must leave office, but the timing of such a move can be negotiated. Russian Federation has insisted that its aim is to help Syria, a longtime ally, fight the Islamic State group and has urged the West to co-ordinate its efforts with Assad’s government as well.
Putin, who shares Western concern about the spread of ISIL, has pledged to continue military support for Assad, assistance that Russian Federation says is in line with worldwide law.
Recently, Moscow has also deployed at least five combat aircraft for reconnaissance and also military equipment to Syria.
The USA also has warned that Russia’s movement of tactical aircraft and surface-to-air missiles to Syria could pose a threat to American and allied forces fighting IS.
“At the same time Iran, under the auspices of the Syrian army, is attempting to build a second terrorist front against us from the Golan Heights”, the Israeli leader charged. Turkey has pushed for the removal of Assad from power since the beginning of the civil war in Syria.
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“Our policy is to do everything to stop weapons from being sent to Hezbollah”, Mr Netanyahu said.
