Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu managed to maintain “warm communication” with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, but now that has come to an end, writes the Wall Street Journal.
Source: WSJ
Details: Journalists recall that Netanyahu was with Putin even at a time when he was increasingly isolated. Even Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the warming of its relations with Israel’s arch-rival Iran could not undermine this cooperation.
The leaders kept in touch by phone, and Netanyahu announced a non-aligned approach to the war in Ukraine, refusing to provide lethal aid or air defense systems to Kyiv despite Western pressure.
Literally: “Now, following the deadly attack on Israel by Iranian-backed Hamas militants, those conversations appear to have ceased.
“Putin is one of the few world leaders who has not called Netanyahu to express condolences over the deaths of more than 1,300 Israelis killed by Hamas in this attack.”
More details: The publication notes that the end of the agreement between Russia and Israel highlights the broader tectonic shifts taking place in Russia’s role in the Middle East since Putin launched the war in Ukraine.
In exchange for the Shaheds, Russia has provided Iran with Yak-130 trainer aircraft and is considering selling Su-35 fighter jets to Iran, which could change the balance of air power in the Middle East.
Journalists also explain that the Kremlin has internal reasons to welcome the war as far as possible from Russian borders.
On the eve of Russian presidential elections scheduled for March, Putin is looking for a way to distract himself from the war in Ukraine.
Let us remind you: On October 14, Hamas said it welcomed Russia’s “tireless efforts to stop Israeli aggression” against the militants.
2023-10-15 10:22:41
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