President Vladimir Putin has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he “understands” Israel’s concerns over the build-up of Russian military forces in Syria.
At the meeting between the two leaders in Moscow today, Mr Putin said: “Every Russian action in the area has always been very responsible. We are aware of the artillery against Israel and we condemn it. I know that these attacks are being carried out by unofficial systems."
Mr Netanyahu commented: “Israel and Russia share the common interest of ensuring stability in the Middle East. And I am here because of the security situation, which has become more complicated on the northern border.
"As you know, in recent years and even more so in recent months, Iran and Syria have been arming the radical terrorist organisation Hizbollah with advanced weapons, which are aimed at us. Over the years, thousands of rockets and missiles have been fired on our cities.
"Meanwhile, Iran, as the benefactor of the Syrian army, is trying to build a second terror front against us from the Golan. Our policy is to thwart the flow of these weapons, and to prevent the establishment of a new terror front and attacks against us from the Golan."
Mr Putin reassured Netanyahu that the Syrian army was in “no state to open a new front”.
He said: "We know that the Syrian army is in no state to open a new front. Our main goal is to protect the Syrian state. Nonetheless, I understand your concern and I am very glad you came here to discuss the issue in detail.
