Bibi and Vlad in diplomatic talks / Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0
by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
MOSCOW/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a rare phone conversation Monday focusing on regional stability, the Gaza peace proposal backed by Washington, and ongoing Middle East tensions, according to official statements from both sides.
The Kremlin said the two leaders discussed “current developments in the Middle East,” with particular attention to U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s 20-point plan for ending the war in Gaza. Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s stance “in favor of a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue within the framework of international law.”
Netanyahu and Putin also reviewed the Iranian nuclear question and efforts to stabilize Syria, a country where both Russia and Iran maintain a military presence that continues to concern Israel. The conversation reportedly reflected an ongoing effort by Netanyahu to balance Israel’s security interests with Moscow’s influence in the region.
According to Israeli broadcaster KAN News, Netanyahu’s government has recently been working to reduce tensions between the United States and Russia amid the continuing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin, meanwhile, continues to emphasize its close relationships with Palestinian factions, including Hamas.
Earlier this year, after the release of Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Troufanov, Putin publicly credited the group’s leadership. “Your release is a result of Russia’s long-standing ties with Palestinians, their representatives, and various organizations. We should thank Hamas’s leadership for this humanitarian act,” Putin told the former hostage and his family.
The call also included personal gestures — Netanyahu extended birthday greetings to the Russian leader, who in turn wished Israel well on the Jewish festival of Sukkot.
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