World Jewish News

During meeting with Russian President Putin, Netanyahu to discuss growing influence of Iran in Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss the Middle East, and in particular the growing influence of Iran in Syria, with Russian President Vladimir Putin when they meet on Wednesday in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Israel is concerned Iran is trying to establish a permanent military foothold in Syria, accusing it of, among other things, building a missile factory in Syria.

Netanyahu said in a speech last week that Israel was watching developments and would act against any threat.

The Israeli premier is expected to discuss a ceasefire in Syria brokered by Washington and Moscow. Israel has opposed the deal, saying it does not properly address Israel’s concerns about Iranian ambitions in the region.

Russia is a signatory to the ceasefire agreement that was signed during the G20 summit in July between the US and Jordan. According to the agreement, Russia is responsible for ensuring that forces under its influence – the Syrian regime, Iran and Iranian proxies – will abide by its terms.

The unresolved issues of who would guarantee the arrangements in the de-escalation zones, prevent the entry of Iranian, Hezbollah or Shi’ite militia forces, and monitor the cease-fire are high on the agenda for the Netanyahu-Putin meeting.

Israel’s red lines in Syria are that Jerusalem will not tolerate an Iranian or Hezbollah presence on the Golan border; that Israel will not accept a permanent Iranian presence in Syria; and that Israel will act to ensure that game-changing weapons or capabilities are not transferred from Iran through Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The head Mossad, Israel’s external intelligence service, Yossi Cohen, will travel with Netanyahu.

EJP