Putin seeks to assuage Israel’s fears of Syrian aggression

The presence of either one of these generals on this trip would be notable in itself.

“It was very important to come here in order to clarify our position and do everything to avoid any misunderstandings between our forces”, Netanyahu said when the meeting began.

From time to time, Israel carries out targeted airstrikes on convoys transporting weapons to Hezbollah or in retaliation against rocket attacks, but nearly always refrains from confirming or denying responsibility. The USA had earlier reported a Russian military buildup in the Middle Eastern country.

Satellite images already show Russian-made artillery guns and SU-30 combat planes in the northwestern Syrian city.

Israel’s desire to maintain its ability to strike targets it says are threatening it in Syria raises the prospect of an increasingly complex and risky combination of military forces with a stake in the Syrian civil war, increasing the risk of confrontations between rival players.

An armored personnel carrier, likely a Russian made BTR-82A, firing large-caliber bullets during a battle in Latakia, Syria, is seen in a video posted online on August 23, 2015.

“The people who are here are those who believe in something better”, opposition leader Navalny told the crowds.

Putin rejected Netanyahu’s concerns of Assad’s forces opening up a second front.

“Our policy is to do everything to stop weapons from being sent to Hezbollah”, Netanyahu said.

Some of the systems sold by Russian Federation include anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles, which could be devastating to Israel’s air superiority in a future conflict with Hezbollah, Pollak said.

The two leaders were also due to discuss the stalled peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.

Putin told Netanyahu on Monday that his fears of a Syrian and Iranian aggression in the area are unfounded.

“Iran and Syria are trying to create the second terrorist front against us on the Golan Heights”, he said.

But while both Russian Federation and the U.S. appear united in seeking to dislodge Islamic State (Isis) from its strongholds, beyond that the issues become increasingly fraught, not least with Russia’s common cause with Hezbollah and Iran in seeking to prop up Assad’s increasingly beleaguered regime.